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Heart Disease
Introduction
Heart failure can occur in dogs of all breeds, weights and ages, but is most common among older dogs. In fact, it affects 25% of all dogs over the age of 7. If left untreated it can be fatal, but thanks to modern veterinary medicine, dogs with heart failure can live longer, healthier, more active lives.
Anatomy of the heart
Causes of Heart Failure
Several factors may contribute to a failing heart. When the heart is not pumping properly, perhaps because of a faulty valve or a weakened muscle, the dog’s body may try to compensate by making the sick heart work even harder. Over a long period of time, this may do more harm than good. Causes of heart disease in dogs include parasites (heartworms), infections, congenital defects, and nutritional deficiencies among others:
• Aortic Stenosis
• Heart Attacks
• Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis)
• Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A Cause of Heart Failure
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
• Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA)
• Pulmonic (Pulmonary) Stenosis
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Diagnosing Heart Failure
While your veterinarian checks your dog’s heart regularly, many of the early warning signs of heart failure will be most obvious to you at home. Alert your veterinarian at once if you notice any of the following:
• Coughing (especially at night)
• Lack of energy
• Loss of appetite
Your vet can perform a thorough heart exam to determine if your dog has heart disease.
Treatment
If your dog is diagnosed with heart failure, don’t fear the worst. Just like humans, millions of dogs are living relatively normal lives despite their heart conditions. Modern science has devised drugs that break the vicious cycle of heart failure, reducing the strain on the heart. Often, just one tablet a day can vastly improve the quality of life for a dog with heart failure. With proper medication, fluid build-up is reduced, coughing can disappear and appetite can return. As the dog is generally less tired, he can regain his enthusiasm for exercise and play and you will enjoy his new lease on life as much as he does.
So, if you’ve noticed that your dog hasn’t been acting himself lately, talk to your vet about a heart exam.
