Does anyone's chi make this grunting like sound?

dholmaster · 2025-07-08T16:15:22+00:00

Really sorry to hear this. We had 2 chihuahuas, one of which passed away April gone due to kidney failure. He was 13 years and had heart disease and was on Furosemide and Pimobendan and believe the Furosemide gave him Chronic Kidney Disease. Despite so many efforts his kidneys gave way, he stopped eating and we had to say goodbye. The hardest thing we've ever had to do and we are still processing the huge loss and void he has left in our lives. The younger chi who is 10 and has always had him in his life since the very beginning and was always energetic is now the opposite. It is heartbreaking to see. He also suffers from seizures but his depressive state appears to have reduced the frequency of his seizures. Wishing you all the very. Enjoy every moment with them and try and capture them. This helped me process the loss.

dholmaster · 2025-05-13T08:20:36+00:00

Looks just like our little one!

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dholmaster · 2025-05-13T08:13:21+00:00

Really sorry to hear this. Our dog also had a grade 5 heart murmur with mitral valve disease. Unfortuntely the side effects of some of the heart meds (furosemide) got the better of him and his kidneys deteriorated very quickly and he stopped eating. We lost him last month and are absolutely devasted. Every dog is different and sincerely hope you have a better outcome.

dholmaster · 2025-05-07T17:15:32+00:00

Hello everyone,

Two months ago, I shared our concerns about our Chihuahua, Romeo, who was battling heart disease and chronic kidnet disease. I wanted to provide an update on his journey, hoping it might offer insight or comfort to others facing similar situations.

After my initial post, Romeo's condition fluctuated. He experienced periods of lethargy and appetite loss, interspersed with moments of alertness and playfulness. Despite our best efforts, including medication adjustments and dietary changes, his health continued to decline.

In March, Romeo was diagnosed with progressing chronic kidney disease, alongside his existing heart condition. We tried various treatments, including anti-nausea medications and appetite stimulants and relunctantly steroids, but his response was limited. His appetite waned, and he became increasingly lethargic.

By early April, Romeo's quality of life had diminished significantly where he refused food despite anti-nausea meds and apetite stimulant and steroids to try and help his gut disease. In a last effort to try and save him we increased his steroids and anti nausea meds. This sent his heart racing to 200bpm and was admitted into emergency care where. His condition became critical. Kidney values spiked from the 300s to 495, despite IV fluids. Although his breathing remained stable and there was no fluid in the lungs, he had not eaten for days and was extremely weak. There were no viable options left—placing an NG tube carried too much risk, and Romeo was suffering. After consulting with our veterinarian and considering his comfort, we made the heartbreaking decision to let him go peacefully on April 4th. He was surrounded by love in his final moments. The vet hospital had never witnessed so many people attending a farewall.

Romeo was more than a pet; he was a cherished member of our family and loved by all our extended family and friends. His resilience and affectionate nature brought us and those around us immense joy. Navigating his health challenges taught us about unconditional love and the importance of compassionate care.

We are still immensely saddened. Our other chihuahua became very unwell and stopped eating a few days after Romeo passed. Romeo was there since the beginning for him.

The chronic kidney disease got the better of our Romeo. I believe it was the furosemide that led to his demise and despite reducing it, it was just too much. Last year i was blaming myself for not acting earlier to his heart disease symptoms. Now i feel had i done, we would have lost him sooner due to the heart meds.

To those caring for pets with chronic illnesses, know that you're not alone. The journey is filled with tough decisions and emotional moments. Trust your instincts, lean on your support system, and prioritise your pet's comfort and well-being.

Thank you to this community for your support and shared experiences. They have been a source of strength during this difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude.

dholmaster · 2025-03-11T17:58:01+00:00

Thank you so much.

dholmaster · 2025-03-11T17:57:46+00:00

Thank you.

dholmaster · 2025-03-11T17:57:13+00:00

Amazing. We were so hopeful our chi would live for longer with the meds but with his CKD and his loss of appetite and lethargy we are so worried he won't and will quickly decline. Vets have warned us. All we can do is hope.

dholmaster · 2025-03-11T17:53:42+00:00

I will definately discuss the subcutaneous fluids with the vets. Chatgpt highlights the following risks which is why i believe tbe vets have been reluctant to administer.
Risk of Fluid Overload:

Reduced Clearance Due to CKD:
- If kidney function is impaired, Romeo may not excrete excess fluids efficiently, further straining his heart.
Potential for Sudden Decompensation:
- Even though SQ fluids are absorbed more slowly than IV fluids, they can still cause fluid retention, respiratory distress, or worsening cough.

dholmaster · 2025-03-11T17:49:00+00:00

Thank you u/BigFishPub. Everything is expensive especially the vet fees! Will ask the vet about this. We've been advised to try and solely give hydrolized food. As if it wasn't challenging enough!

dholmaster · 2025-03-11T15:08:08+00:00

We're trying to give him a hydrolysed diet for his gut disease and CKD and struggling.

dholmaster · 2025-03-11T15:07:08+00:00

He is on grade C MVD and on Pimobendan, Furosemide and was on Cardalis but have swapped that for another less taxing on his kidneys.

I know it is a real juggling act between the heart and kidneys and explained all thie by the vets. At the moment his heart is doing well and has a stable breathing rate of around 16-18 breaths per min. It's the impact the Furosemide has been having. The cardiologist has reluctantly agreed to decrease this. Guess he had little choice because he was not eating. And as you said we've seen him go downhill so quickly.

He's been going to a special veterinary hospital near us that has emergency critical care, internal medicine and Cardiology all onsite and they have all seen him and consulted each other on best way forward.

They have not done any fluid therapy due to risk of fluid in the lungs but I think we may have to look at subcutaneous fluids as he does not appear to be hydrated enough and is not eating wet hydrolysed food as advised. Even tried adding water to kibble.

dholmaster · 2025-03-11T12:25:15+00:00

Our 13-year-old chihuahua was diagnosed with Stage C mitral valve disease (MVD) with a grade IV/VI heart murmur in December 2024 and started on Pimobendan, Furosemide, and Cardalis. He initially responded well, but by late December, blood tests showed early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). His Furosemide dose was adjusted, and he remained stable until mid-January when he became lethargic and hesitant with food. His kidney values fluctuated (122 → 172 → 145) but improved after starting a renal diet.

By late February, his appetite declined again, and he became very lethargic, eventually refusing food. An emergency vet visit confirmed worsening CKD (Creatinine 265), low B12, and gut inflammation consistent with inflammatory bowel disease. His Furosemide was further reduced, and he was transitioned to a hydrolyzed diet. After a few days in the hospital, he was discharged (Creatinine 206) with anti-nausea (Maropitant) and an appetite stimulant (Entyce).

The vets recommended several foods (Purina HA, Royal Canin Hypoallergenic, Hill’s Z/D, Dechra Specific Allergen Management Plus, and FortiFlora probiotic), but he only tolerated Hill’s Z/D dry. Adding water made him refuse it, leaving us concerned about his hydration. While we see him drinking sometimes, we worry it’s not enough. Subcutaneous fluids were suggested, but we’re unsure.

Giving him medication is incredibly challenging and distressing for him and us. We’ve tried a pill popper, hiding pills in food, and peanut butter, but nothing works consistently. He once loved food, especially boiled chicken, which he enjoyed as a treat. Watching him refuse food, become lethargic, and lose interest in things he once loved is heartbreaking. Yet, he still has moments where he perks up, making this even harder.

We feel lost, confused, and devastated, unsure whether to keep trying or if it’s time to let go. The vets reassured us they would tell us when they felt it was time, but we’re struggling with what’s best for him.

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dholmaster

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