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What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease in animals is either congenital (they are born with it) or acquired (developed due to an underlying cause). The congenital disease is usually seen in younger animals, affecting many smaller breeds, whereas acquired heart disease is generally seen in older dogs and cats.
Small breed dogs often develop leaky heart valves due to degenerative changes. Cats and large breed dogs are more likely to develop heart muscle dysfunction.
Congestive heart failure is usually caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood forward in a normal manner. Stress is placed on the heart muscle and valves and a back-up of blood may occur in the lungs and liver. Heart disease is often diagnosed with radiographs (x- rays), ECF, and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).
What Symptoms Can Present as the Disease Progresses?
Early stages:
- Reduced activity/lethargy
- Increased sleeping
- Exercise intolerance
- Coughing – especially at night or early am
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Possible fainting spells
Late stages:
- Persistent early stages
- Severe weight loss
- Distended abdomen
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Blue gray-colored gums
- Leg swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fluid lung sounds
- Unable to rest
- Unable to rise
Crisis – Immediate veterinary assistance needed regardless of disease:
- Difficulty breathing
- Prolonged seizures
- Uncontrollable vomiting/diarrhea
- Sudden collapse
- Profuse bleeding – internal or external
- Crying/whining from pain*
*It should be noted that most animals will instinctually hide their pain. Vocalization of any sort that is out of the ordinary for your pet may indicate that their pain and anxiety have become too much for them to bear. If your pet vocalizes due to pain or anxiety, please consult with your tending veterinarian immediately.
Common Signs of Pain
Panting, lameness, difficulty sleeping, pacing, abnormal posture, body tensing, poor grooming habits, tucked tail, dilated pupils, licking sore spot, muscle atrophy, decreased appetite, vocalizing/yowling, reclusive behavior, aggressive behavior, avoiding stairs/jumping, depressed, unable to stand.
How Is Heart Disease Treated?
There are many treatments available for congestive heart failure, each one focusing on the underlying cause of the disease. Drug therapies may be directed at correcting an irregular heartbeat, increasing the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat, or decreasing the amount of fluid retained in the lungs and abdomen. A diet low in salt is also an important component of therapies, as it helps minimize fluid retention in the body.
What Is the Prognosis for Congestive Heart Failure?
If caught early enough, pets with heart failure can be treated and live many more excellent years. There are times, however, that the disease is so severe and function is so compromised that quality of life is no longer present.
A personalized treatment plan is important to slow the progression of congestive heart failure or any heart disease. Talk to your veterinarian regarding the best treatment protocol for your pet.
