Canine PPH Symptoms

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) in dogs is a type of high blood pressure which is found in the arteries that supply blood to the lungs from the dog's heart. It is referred to as primary because PPH is usually caused by damage to the heart or pulmonary artery at some stage of the dog's life, rather than a secondary cause such as kidney disease or diabetes. The damage can include heartworm infection, pneumonia, bronchitis, cancer, a narrowing of the pulmonary artery (stenosis) or some form of blockage such as a blood clot (embolism.) PPH is rare in dogs and often shows few symptoms until the condition starts to become severe.

  1. Right Side of the Heart Symptoms

    • The right ventricle of the dog's heart pumps the blood through the pulmonary artery to the dog's lungs in order for the blood to pick up oxygen there. The blood then returns to the left atrium of the heart through several large pulmonary veins. It is then pumped to the left ventricle through the aorta and then throughout the body, delivering oxygen-rich blood to all its cells. In a dog with PPH, the right side of the heart will become increasingly larger to try to cope with pumping blood into a damaged or narrowed pulmonary artery. Echocardiography of the dog's heart can usually determine the extent of the symptoms on the right side of the heart.

    Left Side of the Heart Symptoms

    • If the right side of the heart grows too large, it can also interfere with the functions of the left side of the heart, causing less and less oxygenated blood to be pumped throughout the body. In severe cases, the blood can even back up into the right ventricle and cause internal bleeding. Echocardiography to view the left side of the heart and tests to check blood flow and blood pressure can help determine the extent of the hypertension and its effect on the dog's circulation.

    Respiratory Symptoms

    • Panting, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, especially upon exercise, can all be signs of PPH as the dog receives less and less oxygen throughout the body due to the poor circulation in the pulmonary artery.

    Behavioral Symptoms

    • Listlessness, lack of interest in walks and other usually enjoyable activities, or fainting, especially after exercise, is a clear indication that lung and heart function are diminishing as a result of PPH. The dog may be too tired to even eat and drink easily and may experience weight loss and dehydration.

    Physical Symptoms

    • The dog's gums and skin can have a bluish tinge to them. Swelling of the abdominal area can sometimes be a sign of congestive heart failure and advanced PPH as the right side of the heart starts to leak backed-up blood into the rest of the dog's body. The dog may also cough up blood in the later stages of the disease.