Heart failure is a condition in which the canine heart is no longer able to pump adequate levels of blood to the rest of the body. It can be a devastating diagnosis for any dog owner to receive. Owners of senior dogs or owners of dogs of any age should understand the symptoms, prognosis and life expectancy of a dog suffering from heart failure.
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Causes
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Canine heart failure can be caused by congenital defects or degenerative diseases of the heart, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), heartworm disease or an arrhythmia.
Symptoms
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Symptoms include hypertension, coughing due to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and exercise intolerance.
Treatment
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Treatment for canine heart failure will depend on several factors. Some dogs may receive medications to strengthen heart muscles, diuretics or surgery to remove fluids from the lungs, and a change in diet.
Prognosis
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Prognosis will vary from dog to dog and can range from dire to excellent. Response to treatment is key in determining a dog's prognosis.
Life Expectancy
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Dogs affected by heart failure can live for a few days to several months, depending on their response to treatment and the severity of their condition.
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