Is there a generic Enacard alternative for my dog's leaky heart?

Tri-Heart is generic Heartgard and is just as effective. I am not sure why your vet won't prescribe it for you. You cannot buy any heartworm prevention over the counter so you will need a prescription. I suggest you bring your dog to one of the VETCO vaccine clinics at your local Petco stores (see schedule below). Bring proof of his last negative heartworm test and they can give you a prescription for the Tri-Heart. There is no charge for the exam. Just the cost of the medication. Hope this helps! ( https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/clinic-locations-and-schedules/?zip=77469 ) ( https://www.petco.com/shop/SearchDisplay?categoryId=&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&pageSize=48&fromPageValue=search&searchTerm=triheart )

I'm sorry to hear that Eight is having this issue. You are correct, her medications will either need to be adjusted or a new one started. She should see the vet as soon as possible. Sounds like she had a fainting type/dizziness episode that is likely related to unregulated heart condition. No, enalapril to the best of my knowledge does not cause a dry cough in dogs but it can have effects on the kidneys. That being said, a high BUN doesn't indicate kidney disease. Elevations of the BUN and CREA together would indicate kidney disease. BUN is not a specific marker for the kidneys, CREA is.

I am sorry to hear about Abbey's problems! Enalapril is used for heart disease as well as other problems such as kidney protein-loss and high blood pressure. We do, however, like to monitor kidney values via bloodwork when giving enalapril along with lasix. Side effects of enalapril can include nausea, diarrhea, or inappetance. In some dogs we can see listlessness or lethargy as a result of drop in blood pressure. Some dogs can also get elevations in potassium levels. It would be best to have a more thorough workup if your vet suspects fluid in the lungs. A cough can be the result of numerous causes in older dogs and the only way to truly tell if there is fluid buildup in the lungs would be an x-ray. The x-ray would also let us evaluate heart size and check for other causes of coughing (infection, tracheal disorders, chronic bronchitis, masses). Depending on what is seen on the x-ray, an ultrasound of the heart may also be recommended (if we do see enlargement of the heart and fluid build up in the lungs this would be the next diagnostic step). Bloodwork would also be recommended to check the kidney values and the potassium levels when on this medication.

Enalapril can be administered once or twice daily in dogs. The dose prescribed is appropriate according to current formularies. You can read more obout the drug at the link below. https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/enalapril/

Diltiazem ER (extended release) is the generic version of Cardizem CD (controlled delivery). They are the same drug, diltiazem. The generic version may be less expensive. You would need to check pricing with your local pharmacy.

The dose for dogs is 0.5mg per kg. Enalapril comes in 2.5mg tablets so did Charlie eat 2.5mg or 0.25mg? If he only at 0.25mg he probably will have no ill effects. If he ate 2.5mg then he could have some side effects. Things to watch out for: low blood pressure, increased urination, decreased appetite, vomiting, sudden lethargy or weakness.

I would not recommend that you change out meds without direct supervision by your vet. Dosing is not the same between these two drugs and it depends a lot on what condition we are treating here. Lisinopril is not as commonly used in dogs. If you are out of meds and cannot refill until tomorrow, it would be better to skip a dose then to change meds suddenly (although certainly skipping meds is not advised if you can avoid it).