Image: Mike Kilcoyne via Unsplash
Heart disease is a common problem in dogs and, as in people, can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including heart valve degeneration, irregular heart rate and rhythm (arrhythmia), and heart muscle disease. Despite the many types of heart diseases affecting dogs, most share common signs that can alert owners to a problem.
Some breeds are more predisposed to heart disease, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers.
Persistent Cough: If your dog has a cough that doesn’t clear up in a few days, heart disease may be the culprit. Dogs with heart disease cough for many reasons. In some dogs, fluid can accumulate in the lungs when the heart isn’t pumping efficiently. This backup of blood in the lungs can result in fluid leaking out of blood vessels and accumulating in lung tissue, resulting in a cough. Other dogs may have heart diseases that lead to heart enlargement. The enlarged heart can press on the airways and stimulate coughing. Any persistent cough that lasts more than a few days should be checked by a veterinarian.
Fainting or Collapse: When heart function is less than optimal, vital organs such as the brain can become deprived of nutrients, especially oxygen. Blood flow to the brain can be compromised in dogs with heart disease, leading to fainting (syncope) or collapse. Syncope and collapse in dogs with heart disease are usually triggered by exercise, although sometimes coughing can trigger an episode.
Difficulty Breathing: Dogs with heart disease will often have difficulty breathing (dyspnea). A dog may breathe more rapidly or with more force. Some dogs will sit or stand with their legs wide apart and their neck stretched out. Dogs with severe heart disease have more trouble breathing when lying down and will often sit or stand for long periods of time.
Fatigue and Inability to Exercise: Dogs with heart disease will tire out more quickly on walks and during exercise. They may sleep or rest more than usual.
Behaviour Changes: Pet owners may also see behaviour changes in dogs with heart disease, including poor appetite, isolation, and a reluctance to play or engage in previously pleasurable activities.
Signs of heart disease can mimic those seen with other diseases such as arthritis, seizures, and chronic lung disease. Your vet can narrow down the diagnostic possibilities with a good history and diagnostic tests.
Tests helpful in heart disease diagnosis
Chest X-ray: X-rays remain a good way to assess heart size and one of the best methods to assess fluid buildup in and around the lungs.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is the best way to detect an arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat.
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. This non-invasive test has revolutionised the diagnosis of heart diseases in both people and dogs. An echocardiogram performed by a skilled veterinarian can provide valuable information not only about disease but also measurements to assess therapy.
Blood Tests: Although not as commonly used in dogs as in people, there are new tests for dogs that measure cardiac biomarkers in the blood. The most commonly measured biomarker is the protein NT-proBNP, which is elevated in dogs with advanced heart disease.
Although heart disease in dogs can be serious, many treatment options are available to help not only control symptoms but also live a higher quality of life. Diet therapy, modification of activity, and therapeutics are all strategies used to treat heart disease in dogs.
Throughout April, we are offering a ‘Geriatric Profile’ at a reduced fee. This offer includes a full health examination with a Veterinary Surgeon and blood tests to check the liver, kidneys, and red and white blood cells. We will also do a urine sample and check blood pressure. This offer is for dogs aged 7 years and over and cats aged 9 years and over. We are offering the whole package for £150 per animal, which is a saving of £117.99 (normally £267.99). Please call us on 01665 252 250 to get your pet booked in.
If you are a client at Coquet Vets and this article has raised any concerns about your pet, please call us on 01665 252 250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk
