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Heart Disease In Dogs
from: Kyle BesserHeart failure in dogs occurs when any kind of heart disease becomes so severe that a dog's heart is unable to circulate enough blood to meet all the needs of the body tissues. Fluid may begin to pool in some of the tissues and the blood supply decreases to those body tissues furthest away from the heart as a result of associated blood pressure abnormalities.
Any form of dog heart disease can cause this condition. A dog may be born with a defect that leads to heart failure, such as a hole in the heart or a major blood vessel positioned wrongly. In most cases dog heart failure is associated with an underlying heart disease that is not present at birth. These dog heart diseases include the following:
* Long-term disease of the major internal heart valves.
* Diseases of the heart muscle.
* An infestation of heartworms.
* Diseases of the tissues that surround the heart.
* Electrical disorders of the heart.
* Bacterial infections of the interior lining of the heart.
* Tumors of the heart.
In the earliest stages of heart failure a dog may not show any symptoms. Changes that occur in his body will help to compensate for a failing heart and there is no obvious symptom of heart disease in dog. Heart disease may still be detectable by a vet at an early stage. As the condition progresses, the dog will begin to exhibit symptoms. At first, this may only happen when his heart is under stress, such as after exercise. Later on his quality of life will deteriorate as he develops symptoms that are obvious from mild exercise or even when at rest.
Long term disease of the major internal heart valves usually results in the valves becoming ineffective as seals. Diseases of the tissues around the heart can lead to a buildup of fluid. Electrical disorders of the heart affects the beat rhythm and heart rate.
Typical symptoms of heart disease in dogs are mainly due to the build up of fluid in the lungs and/or the abdomen, an increase in the size of the heart as it tries to compensate for its own failure, and to the inefficient pumping of blood throughout the body. Other symptoms of heart disease in dogs may include: exhaustion from exercise, coughing, an increased breathing rate, abdominal swelling, weakness and lethargy, cold extremities, pale gums, fainting, weightloss, reluctance to eat, and depression.
Dog heart diseases are obviously a very serious and life threatening condition. For instance, heart valve disorders are most common in middle aged and older dogs. Heart valve disorders are more common in toy, miniature and small breeds, especially the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier.
Heart muscle disorders most commonly affect the Boxer, Cocker Spaniel and Doberman Pinscher. Heart muscle disorders also commonly affect the giant breeds, especially the Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, St. Bernard and Newfoundland.
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