I had noticed that my dog Kodi was putting on weight and also drinking a lot. I decided to take him to the vets but the night before his appointment he was laid on the rug asleep on his side and I was horrified to see his belly looking misshaped, like there was a swelling. I was extremely worried thinking he had some tumour in there.

His appointment was on Tuesday and they ran some blood tests.

The vet told me in his mind Kodi has a heart problem as he thinks he is collecting fluid round his heart but would wait for the blood results.

The vet rang me this afternoon to tell me the news isn't good. The test showed something wrong with his heart and also his liver enzymes were raised.

A couple of weeks ago Kodi was on steroids for a skin irritation and the vet thinks him being on those steroids quite possibly are the reason his enzymes are raised so wants to run more blood work when the steroids are out of his system.

He is on frusemide to help get rid of excess fluid round his heart and also Vetmedin for his heart.

We are of course hoping and praying he is with us for a long time yet.

My Kodi is an adorable and funny little character who has brought much joy to our home and we love him so much it's heartbreaking to know that he may not have long left. Kodi is 12½ years old.

Hopefully he is going to be with us for a good while yet though.

Thank you for listening.

Oh my word Muddy, I've just looked it up, I think you might be right. He has had skin irritations and he has started urinating in the house sometimes, I just put it down to him being old and losing control of his bladder sometimes, not often but it has been happening. He definitely has thirst too.

Thank you for telling me, I'll mention it to vet. i'll keep you informed.