Eurgh sad post :-( Annie started laboured breathing and crackling last night. I took hrer to work today where she had an ultrasound. She's been diagnosed with left sided congestive heart failure, she also has pleural effusion(fluid in the chest cavity). She's lost 100g and is not herself at all. Been given diuretics and will see if she improves to then also try ACE and vetmedin. I think this is the beginning of the end :-( been spoiling her since we've been back.
Eurgh sad post :-( Annie started laboured breathing and crackling last night. I took hrer to work today where she had an ultrasound. She's been diagnosed with left sided congestive heart failure, she also has pleural effusion(fluid in the chest cavity). She's lost 100g and is not herself at all. Been given diuretics and will see if she improves to then also try ACE and vetmedin. I think this is the beginning of the end :-( been spoiling her since we've been back.
I am sorry to hear this, but i guess it is good you have a diagnosis.
I have a heart failure sow, she is still going strong nearly a year since i recieved the news you did!
The aim usually is to get the fluid under control with diuretics, and start on heart meds such as fortekor to try and support the heart and prevent further fluid build up- this isnt always possible and wasnt in fudges case.
Frusemide (diuretic) is usually dosed at 2mg/kg every 12 hours, this is a maintenance dose. This can be increased up to 4mg/kg every 8 hours (crisis dose)- fudge has actually been on this dose long term.
Fortekor/enalipril is usually the heart med of choice. The standard starting point is usually 1.25mg/kg per day, and my sow has remained on this. Her circulation is good enough, and she never seems flat and lethargic so she doesnt need a higher dose at the minute.
Diuretics in high doses can cause a piggy to become dehydrated- offering veggies torn up in a plate with water or dioralyte solution poured on can help maintain hydration.
Keep an eye out for coughing/hooting/ pale or blue nose, lips or feet, as these can indicate a need for an adjustment in meds.
The less diuretics the piggy can be stable on, the better.. But at the end of the day, being able to breathe comfortably is the priority. A piggys life should me measured in quality, not quantity.
Once the fluid is under control, her appetite should resume. If you are syringe feeding, be very careful to only offer little and often as a piggy with laboured breathing is at higher risk of aspiration. Try and make up the extra fluid intake with watery veggies instead of syringing water if you can, but obviously keeping her hydrated is important.
If we can help at all, dont hesitate to ask.
@helen105281 has heart piggies too, and i genuinely believe if it wasn't for her advice, Fudge wouldnt be here now. I hope you can get your lovely piggy stabilised, let her be your guide.
Xx
I hope it's something simple too. X
My thoughts are with you. 
she deteriorated very quickly. Was a little fighter though. RIP my baby xx :'(