For a poodle radiograph showing an enlarged heart and ¾ murmur on the left side, what is the recommended treatment?

The recommended treatment for a poodle radiograph showing an enlarged heart and a ¾ murmur on the left side is furosemide and digoxin, which is a common approach in managing congestive heart failure with cardiac enlargement and potential arrhythmias.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that effectively reduces fluid overload in cats and dogs suffering from congestive heart failure. By promoting diuresis, it helps to decrease pulmonary congestion and other fluid accumulation associated with heart failure, significantly alleviating clinical signs and improving the quality of life.

Digoxin, on the other hand, is a cardiac glycoside that increases the strength of heart contractions and can help to control heart rate and rhythm. It is particularly beneficial for dogs with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy or mitral valve disease, as it can improve cardiac output while reducing heart rate, thus enhancing the efficiency of the heart.

This combination of furosemide and digoxin effectively addresses both the signs of fluid retention and the underlying cardiac dysfunction, making it a well-established treatment choice in these scenarios.