Dogs and heart conditions

By Dr. Joanna Bronson

Dogs can suffer from heart disease and stroke. There are many things we can do to help afflicted animals live more comfortable lives. The first step is identifying the condition.

The most common signs of heart disease in dogs include:

• an elevated respiratory rate;

• coughing;

• quickly tiring;

• a potbelly appearance;

• pacing before bedtime and having a hard time settling down;

• fainting;

• change in tongue of gum color to a bluish gray due to decreased;

• oxygen levels in the blood.

If you notice your dog displaying atypical rapid, shallow breaths while at rest, or even when active, these may be signs of declining heart function.

The most common sign of disease is a cough, which is the reason many dogs are brought in for examination. While the cough could stem from a respiratory problem, it could also indicate heart disease. Any cough is not normal, especially for dogs previously diagnosed with a heart murmur.

If Fido is unusually tired and can’t seem to walk very far, or sits down and pants, this is a sign of “poor exercise tolerance” and may indicate weakening of the heart muscle.

While overweight dogs tend to have pot bellies, dogs suffering from heart disease can also develop extended abdomens. Weakening of the heart muscle results in poor blood flow causing fluid buildup in the belly. Often this mass is accompanied by a loss of appetite, though the dog appears to be gaining weight.

Fainting is not as common as the other signs, but is a red alert situation.

Heart failure in dogs can have several causes. Among those are birth defects, heart muscle disease, heartworm disease, disease of the heart’s lining, degeneration of the heart values and arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythms) which is more common in older and in smaller dogs.

Heart disease can lead to Congenital Heart Failure. This is a condition where the heart has trouble pumping blood to the rest of the body. It can take years to develop and can affect one or both sides of the heart.

Diagnosing heart disease includes some or all of the following tests:

• a blood and urine test;

• chest x-rays;

• an EKG;

• an ultrasound;

• a heartworm antigen test;

• a Holter monitor worn for 24-48 hours.

The good news is that there are treatments that work. Some of those involve medications to help the heart work better and to correct irregular heartbeats.

Other medications can slow fluid buildup in the lungs. Surgery can correct a torn value and a pacemaker may also be used to correct the irregular heartbeat.

Changing Fido’s diet is crucial to the success of any treatment. A commercial low-salt diet will help decrease fluid buildup.

Limiting activity or managing his weight will reduce the strain on his heart.

In addition, some supplements may be prescribed that include B vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants.

If heartworm infestation is the cause, appropriate medications and antibiotics will be prescribed to kill the heartworms and deal with any subsequent bacterial infections.

Dogs can suffer from strokes. An inability to walk or walking with an uncoordinated gait, abnormal eye movements, (side-to-side) are all symptoms of strokes.

Mini-strokes (TIA’s) happen very quickly. He may lose his balance, appear dizzy, fall over, and be unable to stand. His head may be tilted to one side, his eyes may flicker sideways, and he may feel nauseous and vomit.

With the increased use of MRI and CT capabilities, more affected dogs are being treated earlier.

Strokes usually occur in older dogs. Underlying diseases such as kidney, Cushing’s, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, bleeding disorders, hypothyroidism, cancer, and even overuse of steroids can cause strokes.

Some dog breeds such as King Charles Cavalier Spaniels tend to have a predisposition for strokes.

Testing for strokes is similar to that of heart disease, however, hormone testing may also be prescribed.

Treatment usually involves blood thinners and high blood pressure medications.

Thankfully, the brain is very adept at recovery, and physical therapy is also helpful for the healing process.

Prevention of any heart problem revolves around good care and management. Keeping pets active and feeding a good nutritional diet, (avoiding grain-free dog food, as it has been connected to increased heart disease in dogs), using heartworm prevention, and getting annual checkups are the most effective means of prevention.

Unchecked heart problems can make a dog miserable and shorten his life. With the right treatments, care, and monitoring, he can still live a long, comfortable life.

Dr. Joanna Bronson of Bronson Veterinary Services, located at 452 W. Central Road, Coldwater. Contact her at (517) 369-2161 or visit www.bronsonvetservices.vetstreet.com.