Answer

Hi XXXXXXX,

Regarding the fluid from CHF. Unfortunately there is no way for you to directly measure this at home. Usually this fluid is actually in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and not between the lungs and chest wall (pleural effusion) - which is why your veterinarian administered Lasix. Lasix is a diuertic to pull from from the lungs, and hopefully eliminate this by urination.

Although you can not directly monitor the fluid accumulation at home, you can indirectly monitor this. You can monitor her breathing rate and effort. You can keep a journal and daily record her breathing rate. When she is breathing, count the number of times her chest rises and falls (1 breath). I ask owners to do this when their pet is at rest or sleeping rather than after they have had activity. If over time, or suddenly, there is an increase in breathing rate, this may mean more fluid accumulation.

Regarding her breathing in general. I have a hard time that muslce spasms, or muscle spams at home are the cause for her breathing change.

She has 2 good reasons that are more well accepted to have breathing changes
1) Collapsing trachea
2) Likely an enlarged heart causing compression of the main airways (assumed based on your history of prednisone leading to congestive heart failure)

I would continue the medical therapy as prescribed. If you believe that true muscle spams are a concern, you can discuss the medication, Robaxin, with your veterinarian. This is a muscle relaxer that works very well for dogs.

I hope you find this information useful.
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Expert:	CriticalCareVet
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Answered:	5/4/2009

Critical Care Veterinarian

Emergency and Critical Care Specialist