My Heart Dog, Chico Options

[Berta]

Chico is my jumbo chihuahua mix and my best friend and constant companion for 11 years. I got him when he was 9 weeks old and we've been inseparable ever since. He has taught me so much about life and unconditional love. He is my heart.
He has always been big. He's also always been fat. He was hungry when I got him and I've made sure that never happened again! His bowl was never empty. He's always looked like a ham with a chihuahua head stuck on! But my poor baby. Since he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in September he has gained about 8 lbs of fluid. He weighs about 34 lbs. He can no longer walk due to his enormous belly. Even his legs are swollen so badly. He lives on the couch all day. I pick him up to take him outside a few times a day. I pick him up to take him to his bed beside mine at night. The couch is covered with pads because he has alot of accidents. I hand feed him and hand water him. But he still has a great spirit and still barks at anything that moves outside. He'd really love to get at 'em!
We live in a small town with a small-town vet. His vet says there is nothing else to do for Chico. Just to keep him comfortable until he dies. He takes Enalapril, Lasix and Vetmedin. I had to go to another vet to get the Vetmedin, which saved him in January, because our vet had never heard of it. Obviously the Lasix isn't working properly. I've asked him about a belly tap and he says no, that it is too risky and that he would not do it. I've read online about it and can't decide whether it would be dangerous for him or not. Has anyone here ever had this procedure done to their pet? I don't want to put him at risk, I just want him to have some relief.
I have made an appointment with another vet for Monday. They told me he would refer me to someone in a larger town to get Chico a sonogram and tests that he has never had to see what's going on with his heart. All our vet has ever done is listen to his heart. I am just so worried because I don't even know how I'll pay for all that. I guess I'll have to use a credit card. Times are tough. But I have to do something. It's getting to the point that he sometimes bites me when I try to pick him up and I know it hurts him to move him.
Thanks for listening. I have been really stressed about his condition lately. It is so upsetting when I can't do anything to help him. I'd appreciate any prayers for Chico.

Berta

[Berta]

Thanks so much for the replies. Mati, what kind of injections did your dog get for the fluid? No, the vet has never mentioned this. That would be wonderful! The only thing I have heard about is the abdominocentesis, which our vet won't do and doesn't recommend. I found a vet a while back that would do that, but she's 30 miles away and I'd have to take him in the morning and pick him up late afternoon. She also said he may have to do this at least once a week, maybe twice. And it is $50 each time. It is just impossible. Not only the money, but the time and leaving him all day, plus the stress for Chico. Injections would be so much better.
Dennis, I am so sorry about your Kota. That's a beautiful name, by the way. There is nothing worse than seeing your baby in pain. I know that Chico has a poor quality of life since he can barely move. But he seems fairly happy when he is in his home on the couch until I try to move him. That makes this so very difficult. He is alert and his old self a lot of the time (since the Vetmedin). He does have some bad days and breathing episodes. But I think he would be alright if it wasn't for all this fluid. But the way he is now is just heartbreaking and I can't bear it. Just a few months ago he was running around the house chasing the cat, but it seems like it's been forever.
Hopefully I will get some answers Monday. I just can't accept that this all that can be done. I appreciate your insight. I have just been so emotional lately and needed to get some of this worry off my chest. I've never seen another dog with ascites as bad as Chico and knew someone here may have been through this before. Thanks.

Berta