with Doerte Boehle, based at Pets at Home, Middlebrook. Write to her with your pet problems c/o Angela Kelly, BEN, Churchgate, Bolton. BL6 4DE.

A DOG was brought into the surgery recently, with a bad cough. We diagnosed that congestive heart failure was the cause of the problem, which confused the owner as he had never heard of the disease and couldn't see how it related to the dog's cough. I thought it might be a good subject for this week's Ask the Vet column.

A diseased or defective heart that is unable to pump blood efficiently around the system, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs or abdomen. This makes it difficult for the dog to breathe and can cause it to cough due to the pressure of the heart on the windpipe.

Heart failure can be treated with medication and although it won't cure the underlying heart problem, it will help to slow the progression of the disease.

By reducing the build up of fluid in the lungs and abdomen this will also improve the animal's quality of life.

In the early stages of treatment its important to keep the dog rested rather than take him for walks. As he improves, short walks are important to maintain fitness and improve circulation.

Special diets are available for dogs with congestive heart failure. This isn't essential to the treatment but may help in conjunction with medication.

In general, salty foods should be avoided and the dog must not be allowed to become overweight as this leads to an increased workload for the heart.

It's important that the dog's progress is monitored at home. An increased breathing rate may give an early warning of deterioration of the heart failure and the dog should be taken quickly to see the vet.

Regular check-ups are important to adjust the medication, ensuring the dog has the best possible quality of life.

Questions and answers

Q: My six month old Labrador was neutered five days ago, yet he's still being sick. Is it normal for the effects of the anaesthetic to last so long? I've tried starving him and also feeding him smaller amounts. Do you have any advice?

No, it's not normal for a dog to still be getting sick five days after an operation.

The effects of the general anaesthetic have normally worn off by the following day, especially in a young, healthy dog that has gone through a routine neutering.

While some animals will vomit the night they go home, or possibly the next day, most are eating and feel fine within 24 hrs.

It's possible that he has an upset digestive system, but your action in starving him and giving him small meals would normally have sorted that out.

It's important that he's checked over by your vet, to determine the reason behind this vomiting as soon as possible.

Q: Is it true that dogs that are well looked after don't get worms?

No, unfortunately it's very easy for dogs to pick up worms from other dogs and fleas, no matter how well you look after them.

A regular worming and flea control programme is the only answer.