Heart Disease
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©1996, 1997 HomeVet
What
Does the Heart Do?
The heart, blood
and blood vessels make up the system that supplies the
body's tissues and organs with oxygen and nutrients.
Oxygen-depleted
blood comes from all parts of the body to the chambers
on the right side of the heart. The blood is then pumped
through the lungs, where oxygen is added to it.
Oxygen-rich
blood returns from the lungs to the left side of
the heart and is pumped out, delivering oxygen to all
the body's tissues.
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What
Are the Different Types of Heart Disease?
There are two
types of heart disease: congenital and acquired. Congenital
heart disease is present at birth and is rare. Acquired
heart disease develops over time, usually beginning
during middle-age and affective many older dogs.
The most prevalent
type of acquired heart disease, Chronic Valvular
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 abnormalities
in blood flow.
The second most
common kind of acquired canine heart disease, Dilated
Cardiomyopathy (DCM) , caused the muscular walls,
of the heart to become thin and weak, and the chambers
to dilate.
Both CVD and
DCM result in the same serious condition which is called
heart failure .
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What
Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure
occurs when the heart cannon pump enough blood to meet
the body's needs.
Because the heart
is not pumping effectively, blood may back up in the
heart, lungs, or other organs. Blood vessels constrict
and blood pressure increases. As a result, fluid may
leak out of the vessels especially of the lungs and
liver and cause congestion of the lungs, or fluid accumulation
in the abdomen and other tissues, or both.
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How
Can I Tell If My Dog Has Heart Failure?
The early signs
of heart failure are hard to detect. A decrease in activity
or coughing during periods of exercise or excitation
are both early signs of heart failure, but owners may
consider these normal signs of aging. It is difficult
to tell without a thorough examination. As heart failure
progresses, however, these early signs become more severe.
In addition, your dog may develop other signs such as
rapid breathing, abdominal swelling and weight loss.
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Are
Certain Breeds More Susceptible to Heart Disease and
Heart Failure?
Heart
disease can develop in any breed of dog or cat. However,
some breeds are more susceptible to certain types of
disease. As a rule, breeds such as Poodles, Cocker Spaniels,
Chihuahuas, and Lhasa Apsos have a greater incidence
of Chronic Valvular Disease , while larger
breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes and
Boxers are more prone to Dilated Cardiomyopathy
. However, English Cocker Spaniels are also susceptible
to Dilated Cardiomyopathy .
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How
Does My Veterinarian Diagnose Heart Disease?
First, you'll
be asked to provide background information about your
animal, along with your observations about any problems
you've noticed. Your veterinarian will perform a physical
examination:
- Listening to the
heart and breathing sound.
- Taking the pulse.
- Inspecting the gums.
- Feeling for enlarged or
swollen internal organs.
A number of procedures
may then be recommended by your veterinarian to evaluate
your dog and determine the best treatment. These can
include:
- Chest X-rays (radiographs)
- to help determine the size and shape of the heart,
the condition of the lungs, and the size of the
blood vessels.
- Electrocardiogram
(ECG) - to assist in evaluating the rate and regularity
of the heartbeat.
- Blood and Urine
Samples - to check the function of the kidneys,
liver and other organs for their involvement in
the heart failure process, and for the presence
of other diseases.
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound)
- to aid in visualizing the internal structures
of the heart and its ability to function.
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Can
My Pet Be Treated for Heart Failure?
Yes. 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:
- Severity and progression
of the disease.
- Presence of other
illnesses.
- Age of your pet.
A complete evaluation
of your pet sill help your veterinarian determine what
medications, dietary changes, or exercise restrictions
are necessary. Periodic examinations will enable your
veterinarian to modify your pet's medication as needed.
In addition, your veterinarian may recommend a consultation
or referral to a veterinary cardiology specialist.
As in many other
diseases, early detection of heart failure provides
the best chance for successful treatment. If you
follow your veterinarian's treatment recommendations,
your pet can live a longer more comfortable life.
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What
Are the Signs of Heart Failure in My Pet?
The signs of
heart failure include the following:
- Lack of energy.
- Irregular and rapid
breathing.
- Lack of appetite
and weight loss.
- Coughing.
- Weakness.
- Fainting.
- Abdominal Swelling.
Although the
signs of heart disease may appear mild at first, and
may be mistaken for signs of aging, heart failure is
a serious, progressive problem and can be life-threatening.
Not all signs may be present at the same time. Some
signs may also be cause by other serious conditions.
Regular examinations
by your veterinarian are very important for early detection
of hear disease and management of heart failure.
Please note: The information provided here is meant
to supplement that provided by your veterinarian. Nothing
can replace a complete history and physical examination
performed by your veterinarian. - Dr. Jeff
I greatly value your feedback. Please let
me know what you think of this site and what you would
like to see on it. drjeff@homevet.com
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Last modified
at 10:17 PM on 1/5/98.
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