HEART DISEASE IN DOGS

We have diagnosed your dog with heart disease

What is heart disease?
There are several types of heart disease in dogs, the most common forms causing either damage to the heart valves or a weakness in the heart muscle.

These are often diagnosed by detecting a murmur or irregular rhythm using a stethoscope in addition to using a variety of other diagnostic equipment.

What is heart failure?
In the early stages of the disease, the heart may still be able to effectively pump blood around the body but as the condition progresses, its efficiency can decline resulting in symptoms of ‘heart failure’ such as general weakness.

Heart failure does not necessarily mean the heart is about to stop, it simply means the disease has got to a stage where the heart needs extra help, in the form of medication to supply adequate blood to the body tissues.

NOTE: The typical ‘heart attack’ seen in humans due to coronary disease is fairly rare in dogs whose heart function tends to decline more slowly.

TREATING HEART DISEASE
It is very important to realise that any medication prescribed is not going to ‘cure’ the underlying heart disease. Our main goals of treatment are to help the heart function better with the disease and hence improve your dog’s quality of life.

As an owner, you will play a vital role in achieving this, not only be ensuring that the prescribed medication is given at the appropriate times but also by monitoring your dog’s symptoms and bringing him or her to us for both routine visits or when a problem occurs. Frequent visits allow us to keep assessing your dog’s condition.

How to monitor your dog’s condition at home?
There are a variety of symptoms associated with heart failure, the most common of which are listed below. Symptoms in bold require emergency attention but if you notice a worsening in any of the other signs you should contact us immediately.

FAST AND/OR LABOURED BREATHING EVEN WHEN RESTING

FAINTING OR COLLAPSING EPISODES

DEVELOPMENT OF A POT BELLY OR SWOLLEN LIMBS

Reduced energy/less willing to exercise

Weight loss, reduced appetite, excessive panting, coughing

Drs I de Best, MRCVS