It’s estimated that one in ten dogs will deal with heart disease during their lifetime. So what happens if your dog is that one? Early detection and prevention practices are two critical ways to protect your pup and give them the best chance possible for winning against heart disease.
Diagnosing Heart Disease
Heart disease is a broad term that includes many different illnesses and issues with the heart. Congenital heart problems (present from birth) are a small minority of the potential problems pups face, making acquired heart disease more common.
Cardiovascular issues can range from defects in the heart’s structure to how it functions. Electrical abnormalities are another possible cause of certain heart conditions. Heart disease can result in heart failure, which is why early detection and proper treatment are so critical.
Although your dog might exhibit certain signs of heart disease, typically, symptoms appear when the condition is more advanced. Since early detection is one of the best lines of defense, regular checkups with your dog’s vet are extremely important.
Also, since it’s more common for older dogs to acquire heart disease (which doesn’t mean young dogs can’t have it), talk with your vet about additional testing as your dog ages. Many vets recommend adding additional bloodwork and other tests to a senior dog’s yearly exam.
Even when staying on top of routine vet care, things happen. Your dog may show signs of heart disease. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of the following symptoms.
- Continual coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Tires easily from little activity
- Weakness or collapse
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal swelling
- Behavioral changes
- Stunted growth (in puppies)
How Do Vets Check for Heart Disease?
Your vet will perform a physical exam and review your dog’s medical history. They will likely order bloodwork to test for heartworms and certain markers, perform chest X-rays, and get an electrocardiogram (EKG) to record the heart’s electrical activity. Another possible test is an echocardiography, which is an ultrasound of the heart that looks at the structure and function of the heart, valves, and surrounding vessels.
Types of Heart Disease in Dogs
Vets use multiple tools and resources to check and diagnose heart disease because there are different types of conditions. For example, if they suspect heartworms, but the bloodwork comes back negative, then they’ll move to the next test and so on to find the answer.
You can divide heart disease types into two main groups: congenital and acquired. Most of the dogs with heart problems have acquired disease, usually surfacing in adulthood. Roughly one percent of dogs with heart disease were born with their condition.
Here are the main types of heart disease in dogs from each of these two primary categories.
Congenital Heart Conditions
The two most common forms of congenital heart disease in dogs are Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Subaortic Stenosis (SAS).
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
This is the most prominent congenital heart defect in dogs. It occurs when the opening between the two major blood vessels coming from the heart does not close properly before birth. The opening leads to improper oxygenation of the blood, which can cause heart failure.
Subaortic Stenosis
Subaortic stenosis is the second most common congenital heart condition found in dogs. It is a subset of conditions known as Aortic Stenosis, which is a narrowing of the aorta. In Subaortic Stenosis, abnormal tissue below the aortic valve blocks blood flow, making the heart work harder. Over time, the heart muscle thickens and weakens.
There are also many other congenital heart problems in dogs that could be present that are not as common as PDA or SAS.
- Ventricular Septal Defects
- Pulmonic Stenosis
- Persistent Right Aortic Arch
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Atrial Septal Defects
- Mitral Valve Dysplasia
- Mitral Stenosis
- Tricuspid Dysplasia
- Hernias Between the Abdomen and Membrane Surrounding the Heart
- Cor Triatriatum Dexter
Common Types of Acquired Heart Disease
Most of the acquired heart diseases in dogs develop as they age and usually either affect the heart muscle or heart valves. Some conditions are more prevalent in certain breeds, for example, Cardiomyopathy in Boxers. The most common types of acquired heart disease are heartworms, Mitral Valve Disease, Cardiomyopathy, and Pericardial Effusion.
Heartworms
Heartworms infect your dog via mosquito bites. The immature worms head to the heart, where they mature and cause major problems for your pup. Luckily, heartworm disease is preventable with monthly medication.
Mitral Valve Disease
Mitral Valve Disease is the most common type of acquired heart disease, especially in small dogs. It occurs when the heart’s mitral valve doesn’t close completely, thereby allowing blood to move backward through the valve opening. When this backflow is severe, it leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, sometimes developing arrhythmias or presenting symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) comes in second as the most common type of heart disease in dogs. This condition is when the heart muscles are weak, so the heart can’t contract and pump all the way. As cardiomyopathy worsens, it leads to enlargement of the heart chambers, potentially causing leaky valves and congestive heart failure. In severe cases, arrhythmias could result in sudden death.
Pericardial Effusion
Pericardial effusion is when fluid builds up in the sac surrounding the heart, impeding the heart’s function. Heart cancer and inflammation are potential causes of this condition. However, there could also be no evident reason. Pericardial Effusion is typically an emergency, showing up as difficulty breathing and weakness, and requires medical attention immediately.
How Do Vets Treat Heart Disease?
The treatment for heart disease varies depending on the type of heart disease your dog has. Certain congenital heart defects can be surgically corrected. Most acquired heart conditions are treated with medications and ongoing monitoring, extra exams, and additional lab work. Although certain heart conditions are treatable with surgery in people, this isn’t usually the case with canines.
Your vet will recommend the best course of treatment for your dog based on their specific conditions. Treatment plans often include dietary changes, exercise adjustments, lifestyle tweaks, and medication. It’s important to observe your pup for any changes. If there are side effects to medications, you might need to change the dosage or type of drug or look for alternate treatments.
Tips for Preventing Heart Disease in Dogs
One of the best things you can do to decrease your dog’s risk of acquiring heart disease is to feed your pup a healthy diet and provide adequate exercise. These habits help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity. It’s also essential to stay up-to-date with regular veterinarian visits. Discuss your dog’s nutrition with your vet to ascertain if it provides your dog with all their necessary nutrients.
Staying on top of heartworm prevention is also vital to your pup’s fight against heart disease. Most heartworm preventatives are given once a month, and it’s important to be consistent for the medication to do its job properly.
Overall, stay attentive to your pet and their behavior. Maintain an open line of communication with your vet and keep up with routine checkups to put your pup in the best possible position for a healthy and happy life. To learn more about how to keep your furry friend in tip-top shape, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.