Dear Dr. Tobin,
Remember Chloe, the 10 year old 4lb Chihuahua born w/an enlarged heart? http://forums.doghobbyist.com/view.php?id=143779,143779
Since I found a holistic vet on LI, she's been weaned off Benazepril and also off the Jiaogulin you originally prescribed. Her daily regimen is:
1. 1/2 capsule of vetri-science cardio strength* with breakfast (includes 10mg of COQ10)
2. About 1ml of a 1 part grand cacti flora / 1 part hawthorn / 2 parts VAL concoction w/breakfast and dinner
3. 10 drops of Ginkgo with breakfast and dinner as you originally prescribed.
She hasn't gotten another echo cardiogram due to the expense, but our vet checked her heart (I believe via EKG?) using more simpler means. He said there were indications of slight improvement. Her wet cough had been consistent.
Every morning she wakes up around 6am demanding breakfast by barking and whining. This morning was the first time she's had ANY difficulty doing so, let alone so MUCH difficulty: She couldn't bark or cry at all, but only wheeze and cough continuously. It's only 7am now, she ate, calmed down, and seems fine. Other than the continuous wheezing, she seems as active and cheerful as usual.
I'm going to call the vet when they open, but I look forward to receiving your opinion once you've reviewed my post.
Thank you very much, as usual,
Roni
*Cardio strength link: http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Vetri-Science-Cardio-Strength/125015.aspx
