My senior dog has an enlarged liver & heart. Why won't she eat?

If Bailey has not had a recent exam with a veterinarian, I recommend that be done soon. Both heart disease and liver disease can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen and make pets feel puny and puts pressure on internal organs. Several different diseases can cause enlargement of the liver, including hepatitis, cancer, and Cushing's Disease. Depending on the cause, some of these can be successfully treated. It can be very difficult to decide when it is time for a pet to leave this world. The "right" time will be different and completely OK with each individual pet and family. I recommend that you discuss Bailey's quality of life with your vet. You may also look for a vet that specializes in end-of-life care or pet hospice (sometimes called pawspice). Here is some information on quality of life: https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Determining-Pet-Quality-of-Life http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A

Hello! I'm concerned about her poor appetite? An enlarged heart shouldn't specifically cause this. I'm glad you had some tests run on her heart, and I'm glad to hear that the tests so far have been normal. Sometimes dogs can see a veterinary cardiologist, or have a heart ultrasound, in order to get more information. If she isn't eating well, I would recommend you take her to your vet to find out if there could be something else wrong?

I'm sorry that Princess is so sick! I would try to tempt her to eat by offering her small amounts of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice. You can also soak her dry food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth. Should she refuse to eat any of these choices, I would take Princess back into the vet who can give her a medication that may stimulate her appetite.

I'm sorry your dog isn't feeling well. Regarding your comment about leaving kibble in his bowl without eating it, yet still eating 2 cans of food a day and some treats--it sounds like he is getting enough food and appetite is not a problem. When you say he is "pooping everything out," is he having diarrhea? Or does it seem that he is losing weight even though he is eating a lot? Or is he pooping very frequently? To review the list of problems/symptoms that you have given: *losing weight even though he is eating a lot (if this is what you mean by "pooping everything out") *uncomfortable/moaning *enlarged liver *blood test negative for Cushings disease Considering that he is 13, given the problem list above one of the biggest things I would worry about is cancer of some kind, and arthritis may be contributing to his discomfort. Unfortunately there is not any ONE test for cancer, so its not something your vet can just submit a blood sample and get an answer for. If you are wanting to KNOW what her diagnosis is, your vet will need to run full lab work (a full chemistry profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis), take X-rays of his chest, and probably perform an abdominal ultrasound (sonogram of the belly) as well. If an abnormality is discovered on X-rays or ultrasound, a biopsy may needed. Regardless of the cause, and even if you don't have funds to do a lot of diagnostics, you can focus on making him comfortable, with the understanding that his time may be limited. Ask your vet about pain medications. Don't worry about him not eating kibble--if he prefers canned food that is fine. I'm sorry I cannot give you black and white answers as to what is wrong. But he's a very lucky boy to have someone who cares so much for him. Wishing you both the best. Thanks so much for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi. Is your pet on medications for heart failure? If so, and still coughing, your veterinarian may need to reassess xrays and possibly increase doses of medication. Prognosis for heart failure is guarded to poor. I'm sorry she isn't feeling well

Poor amber,, that liver is massively enlarged and I would expect breathing difficulties, inability to eat and abdominal pain. Although scans and biopsies may provide information on the underlying cause, euthanasia may be the kindest option at this stage

I would be concerned that Baby might be ill - it’s possible that her liver tumor is the problem or that something different is going on. Unfortunately I don’t think there is anything specific you can do at home without seeing a vet. You should make sure she gets plenty of water and let her rest. If she seems to be distressed you should do your best to see a vet.