CANINE HEART DISEASE
Every year, approximately 1 dog in 10 is diagnosed with Heart Failure. This condition occurs when damage done to the heart weakens its pumping action. The heart is then unable to supply enough blood to meet the body's needs.
When the heart doesn’t pump effectively, blood may back up in the heart, lungs or other organs, causing blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to increase. As a result, fluid may leak out of the vessels accumulating in the lungs or abdomen and other tissues or both, causing a condition known as congestive heart failure.
What are the different types of heart disease?
Threre are two types of heart disease: congential and acquired. Congenital heart disease is present at birth and is rare. Acquired heart disease develops over time, usually beginning middle-age and affecting many older dogs.
The most prevalent type of acquired heart disease, Chronic Vulvular Disease (CVD) is also known as mitral regurgitation, mitral valve disease and valvular insufficiency, among other names. In CVD, the heart valves gradually lose the ability to close effectively, which causes abnormalites in blood flow.
The second most common kind of acquired canine heart disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), causes the muscular walls of the heart to become thin and weak and the chambers dilate.
Both CVD and DCM result in the same serious condition, which is called heart failure.
Breed Susceptibility:
Heart disease can afflict dogs of any age and any breed. However, some breeds are more susceptible to certain types of disease:
Chronic Valvular Disease – Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahuas, and Lhasa Apsos
Dilated Cardiomophaty – Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers, and Cocker Spaniels
Treating Heart Disease
Although there is no cure for heart failure, new treatments are helping dogs enjoy longer life with better quality. Success of treatment depends on such factors as the severity and progression of the disease, presence of other illnesses, and the age of your dog
As in many other diseases, early detection of heart failure provides the best chance for success. Treatment is aimed at improving the efficiency of the heart, easing the workload on the heart, and reducing fluid retention.
Your veterinarian may recommend one or a combination of the following options:
- Dietary changes
- Exercise restriction
- Medications, such as ENACARD
- Referral to a veterinary cardiology specialist