Bichon Question

[RUDisney]

My Mom's bichon has an enlarged heart. They diagnosed it in June, as a level 2 enlargement and had another xray on Friday and it is at level 4. She is 11 years old and her symptoms were heavy panting and she likes to lay on the AC vent to keep cool and have extra air blowing on her. Evidently her heart is pushing on her esophygus, causing the breathing difficulty. She's now on a heart med and aside from when she is laying down, she is a very active and playful dog. The vet said to curb the chasing play for awhile and only walk her in the AM and PM, with a harness.

Anyway, my question is this... is this something that is genetically prone to this breed? She was a rescue dog, so we don't know alot about her parents, etc.

 

[Piglet]

Not sure about it being genetic for the Bichon's, but my grandmothers Poodle had to be put down a month or so ago because it was causing severe problems. She lived quite a few years with the enlarged heart and took meds for it. She contantly had a "cough" because of the pressure. It was very tough for them, she was their baby.

Melinda

 

[Mom2Em]

I don't know if it is genetic or not but my best friend's last Bichon had an enlarged heart also... she was diagnosed and gone within 2 months...