Heart Disease In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Heart Problems

January 24, 2011 | Healthy Dog | Leave a Comment |

Heart Disease in Dogs

They can suffer from different types of disease. Which can, no matter the type of disease that a dog has, treatment is going to be necessary if the animal is to survive.

Types of Heart Disease in Dogs

Functional

  • Problems here are usually brought on by old age or it could be a result of long standing conditions like uncontrolled hypertension.
  • The most common type of functional issue is Congestive Heart Failure in dogs.
  • With canine heart failure, the heart is no longer able to pump blood properly.
    • .
  • It will lead to fluid retention in the lungs known as pulmonary edema.
  • Read fluid retention in dogs
  • Dogs may also have issues with valve prolapsed, which indicates a problem with the heart valves.
  • Coronary heart disease may also be an issue and it is characterized by blockages in the coronary arteries of the heart

Electrical

  • Dogs may have issues with the electrical function of the heart.
  • Blockages may lead to arrhythmias or even fibrillation (flutter)

Parasitic

  • Heartworms are one of the most common conditions that can affect the heart of the dog.
  • Dry cough and weakness are symptoms of heartworms

Congenital

  • A dog may also have some congenital issues with their heart.
  • Veins and walls in the heart may have failed to close.
  • Cyanosis is a common symptom shared by many congenital heart issues

Heart Disease in Dogs Symptoms

The symptoms for heart disease are going to depend on the kind of condition the dog has. Some common symptoms include:

  • Weakness
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Anorexia
  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Intolerance to Exercise

Heart Disease in Dogs Treatment

Treating heart disease is going to be very personal and it will be dependent on the dog’s condition.

Treatment options can vary from surgery, supportive treatment to the removal of parasites.
Related Reading:
Heartworms are so named because the parasite invades the heart. This parasite is transmitted via mosquito bite. It is important for owners with dogs living in mosquito-prone areas to properly have their dog examined for mosquito-borne diseases such as heartworms.

Heartworms in Dogs and Its Symptoms

  • The life cycle of the heartworms begin upon entry into the dog’s bloodstream via mosquito bite.
  • The larvae are then deposited to various organs in the body.
  • When it reaches the heart and finds its way into the right ventricle, it starts to duplicate.
  • Symptoms of heartworms depend on the organs affected. When the larvae duplicates to a large amount, the dog will start to experience chest pain.
  • When the parasites find their way into the lungs, symptoms of pulmonary diseases can be seen such as coughing and hemoptysis.
  • The condition is usually in its advanced stage if symptoms start to appear.

Heartworms Treatment and Costs

  • The disease is not easy to detect. The disease can only be detected if symptoms start to appear and by this time, the disease is already in its advanced stage.
  • Difficult detection often leads to challenging treatment.
  • Treatments of heartworms are target to treating the affected organs.
  • Treatment can be costly especially when multiple organs are affected.

Heartworm Prevention

  • Treatment may be difficult, but prevention is easier.
  • Since the disease is seasonal, it makes it easier for owners to adequately treat and prepare their dog against heartworms.
  • There are prophylactic medications that prevent heartworms from developing in dogs.
  • These medications come in the form of injections or oral medications.
  • Injections are usually given on a monthly basis.
Related Posts:

Speak Your Mind