Heart Failure in Dogs

Heart failure can occur in any breed of dog, regardless of size, age or gender. Heart failure is caused by a variety of factors. Recognizing the early signs can help you give your dog a better quality of life.

  1. About the Heart

    • There are four chambers of the heart: the upper chambers (left and right atria) and lower chambers (left and right ventricles). Blood flows from the right atrium into the right ventricle. From the right ventricle, the blood is pumped into the lungs, where it receives oxygen before flowing into the left atrium. The blood is then transferred in the left ventricle, where it is pumped into the rest of the body.

    Causes

    • In dogs, heart failure can occur due to old age and the natural weakening of the body over time. It also can be caused by heart disease, congenital defects and kidney failure.

    Symptoms of Heart Failure

    • One of the more common signs of heart failure in dogs is a change in heart rhythm, which can develop between veterinary checkups. Dogs with heart failure also become less active over time and tire easily. They can suffer from a loss of appetite, breathing difficulties and mild to severe coughing or panting.Other symptoms include fluid buildup in the abdomen, hypertension, fluid leaking into the lungs and fainting.

    Diagnosis

    • Heart failure is often diagnosed by a veterinarian, who notices a change in your dog's heart rhythm. If heart failure is suspected, your veterinarian can confirm it with a chest X-ray, an ultrasound, blood tests, urine samples or an electrocardiogram.

    Treatment

    • Treatment varies, based on the cause and the individual dog. Some dogs are given diuretics to clear away any excess fluids. Others are prescribed amino acids, enzyme blockers or vasodilators. Dogs who are stabilized quickly can live a few more months. But heart failure is incurable. Survival rates vary, based on the dog's environment, diet and exercise levels.