Well Albert developed a cough out of the blue on August 1st, which of course is a red flag to all of us Doberman owners. I was able to get him into the vet on Saturday and unfortunately he does indeed have DCM. 
BUT the vet was actually pretty optimistic in Albert's case since we are catching it super early and there is a brand new cardio med that was just approved by the FDA for use in the US. I guess this new med, Cardalis has been working wonders in Europe and our vet just got some in last week so Albert is the very first one he's prescribed it to. He said it's a quadrant treatment that works in conjunction with the Vetmedin and Furosemide, which he thinks is going to help a lot.
So far he's responding very well and there's no more coughing, he's much perkier and his appetite is much better. In fact last night he went to the toy box a few times to bring a toy to me. We haven't seen that for a long time but he is 10 + years old so that's not out of the ordinary.
At any rate, good thoughts or prayers are appreciated.
BUT the vet was actually pretty optimistic in Albert's case since we are catching it super early and there is a brand new cardio med that was just approved by the FDA for use in the US. I guess this new med, Cardalis has been working wonders in Europe and our vet just got some in last week so Albert is the very first one he's prescribed it to. He said it's a quadrant treatment that works in conjunction with the Vetmedin and Furosemide, which he thinks is going to help a lot.
So far he's responding very well and there's no more coughing, he's much perkier and his appetite is much better. In fact last night he went to the toy box a few times to bring a toy to me. We haven't seen that for a long time but he is 10 + years old so that's not out of the ordinary.
At any rate, good thoughts or prayers are appreciated.
sending hugs and positive thoughts to Albert and the family.
