Dog Health
Issues - Description of Canine Heart Disease
Heart Disease is as common in dogs as it is in people. There are
many ways in which heart disease can be detected and regular
visits to a Veterinary Surgeon will ensure early detection and
treatment - the difference between life and death.
There are three
types of Canine Heart Disease:
Congenital disorders which are
rare and present at birth
Hereditary Heart Disease
Acquired disorders which are
the most common and which develops over a period of time
Dog Health
Questions - Canine Heart Disease Causes
Dogs rarely have Heart Attacks but tend to get diseases of the
valves of the heart which can result in heart murmurs. The heart
valves can lose their ability to close properly, causing abnormal
blood flow or the muscular walls of the heart become thinned and
weakened. Causes include the following:
Congenital disorders some of
which are due to genetic factors,
Infections
Parasites
Diet Deficiencies
Obesity will aggravate the
condition
Different
Types of Canine Heart Disease
CVD - Heart valves can lose
their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood flow - Chronic
Valvular Disease (CVD)
DCM - The muscular walls of the
heart become thinned and weakened - Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Heart Failure - DCM and CVD can
result in the same serious condition - heart failure Canine heart
failure is caused by one side of the heart being required to do more
than it is physically able causing the muscles to fail
Heart
Failure
Heart Failure happens when the
heart cannot pump enough blood around to meet the needs of the dog's
body
Continuing to work harder to
pump blood, further damage can occur
Blood pressure increases
Dog Health
Problems - Symptoms of Canine Heart Disease
Canine Heart Disease is marked by a variety of symptoms which can
include the following:
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Lack of energy
Coughing
Fast and Irregular breathing
Abdominal Swelling
Fainting
Dog Health
Questions - Dogs susceptible to Canine Heart Disease
Heart Disease is usually associated with older dogs but it may occur in dogs
and puppies under one year old due to congenital or hereditary
disorders. Some breeds are more susceptible to specific types of
heart disease as follows:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - Large breeds
such as Great Danes and Dobermanns
Chronic Valvular Disease (CVD) - Smaller
Breeds such as Chihuahuas, Poodles and Spaniels
Dog Health
Information - Treatment of Canine Heart Disease
The treatment of canine heart disease is dependent on the
condition but can include a new diet and exercise program,
medication to strengthen the muscles or to remove excess fluid.
Dog Health
Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice
has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are
in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health
Specialist.
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference
manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It
is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a
substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please
remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health
please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
