Canine Cardiac Failure

There are multiple reasons why a dog may enter heart failure. It is crucial to be able to recognize symptoms of cardiac distress to prevent worsening a potential problem and also to minimize the risk of heart attack or stroke.

  1. Symptoms

    • Pet owners must recognize changes in their pet's behavior in case they are signs of heart problems. Subtle symptoms include lethargy and weakness. According to PetMD, a dog may also have difficulty breathing while lying down. More obvious symptoms are blue discoloration of skin, fainting and cough.

    Causes

    • Fibrosis, a condition that involves the buildup of cardiac tissue over time, causes multiple problems in the heart that can lead to failure. The cause of fibrosis itself is unknown. Valve defects, both congenital and those that develop over time, can cause blood to thicken in the heart and ultimately cause heart failure. High blood pressure, tumors, atherosclerosis and bacterial infections are also causes of cardiac failure.

    Treatment

    • Blockages due to fibrosis usually require surgery, during which the dog will be hospitalized. Owners are advised to limit the dog's activity and exertion levels, as these can strain the heart. If the cause is not determined early, complete heart failure---death---is likely.