Congestive heart failure occurs in dogs when abnormality in the heart or the way the heart operates prevents the proper amount of blood from reaching the organs.
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Causes
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When the heart is not properly pumping blood, the body begins to retain fluid in the other organs and body cavities. It is common for lungs to retain fluid and lead to symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Symptoms
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Dogs with congestive heart failure will likely show signs of fatigue and weight loss. They will have difficulty breathing and may develop a cough.
Types
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Congestive heart failure is especially prevalent in small, purebred dogs because they are more prone to the breakdown of heart valve tissue.
Warning
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Difficulty in breathing occurs because fluid tends to collect in the chest or abdominal cavity in dogs with congestive heart failure.
Underlying causes
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Symptoms also vary based on the underlying cause. These causes can include birth defects, heartworm and diseases of the heart.
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