Canine heart disease is a very common condition. It is a very serious condition that usually proves to be fatal unless it is detected very early.
Types
There are two types of canine heart disease. One type occurs when the heart valves lose their ability to close effectively. This causes blood to flow abnormally. The other type of canine heart disease occurs when the walls of the heart become thin and weak, causing the heart chambers to dilate. Both of these types result in heart failure over time.
Cause
There are a variety of things that can cause canine heart disease. It can be caused by infections, parasites, and congenital disorders. Canine heart disease can also be caused by diet deficiencies. If your dog is overweight, it will only aggravate the condition.
Symptoms
There will usually be no symptoms in the early stages of canine heart disease. As the disease progresses, your dog will begin to show symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. When canine heart disease becomes severe, your dog will experience weight loss, fainting, and irregular and rapid breathing.
Diagnosis
To diagnose canine heart disease, the vet will start off by performing a few physical exams. He will listen to the sound of your dog’s breathing and heart. he will also inspect its gums and feel or enlarged internal organs. These physical exams will usually be followed by a chest x-ray, ultrasound, and blood and urine samples.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for canine heart disease. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms so your dog can have a better quality of life. ACE inhibitors will relieve stress on the heart by reducing blood pressure and volume. Your dog may also have to go on a special exercise program. Success of this treatment for canine heart disease depends on the severity of the disease, presence of other illnesses, and the age of your dog.
As your dog ages, his risk for developing serious health conditions increases dramatically. It is your duty to keep him as healthy as possible. Stop by dog-illnesses.com today to learn about various dog illnesses, such as canine kidney disease, that can affect your dog.
