Canine Heart Disease

Heart disease can be a frustrating and devastating diagnosis for any dog owner. It is estimated that approximately 11 percent of all dogs have some form of heart disease. Understanding the two common forms of heart disease is important for dog owners and recognizing the signs can help ease any pain the dog may be having, as well as provide as much of a normal life as possible.

  1. Causes of Heart Disease

    • Canine heart disease can occur for a variety of reasons. Heart disease can be acquired due to various conditions your dog may have suffered throughout her life, endocardiosis or dilated cardiomyopathy. This accounts for up to ninety five percent of all cases of heart disease in dogs. In rarer instances, dogs can have a congenital defect of the heart and is usually diagnosed at an early age in puppies.

    Symptoms of Heart Disease

    • As with any condition, symptoms can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs may not even show any signs of being ill, so maintaining regular checkups is important so that your veterinarian can catch any diseases or illnesses that you may have missed. Some common symptoms of heart disease include difficulty breathing, changes in behavior, lethargy, coughing, poor appetite and accompanying weight loss.

    Atrioventricular Valvular Insufficiency (AVVI)

    • Also known as endocardiosis, AVVI is one of the two main causes of heart disease in dogs. AVVI occurs when one of the valves in the heart no longer seals correctly. This improper seal causes a leak in the heart and allows blood to flow backward through the heart. This condition is often noticed through a routine physical examination by a veterinarian and usually because the dog has developed a heart murmur. AVVI is the most common form of heart disease in dogs.

    Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

    • Dilated cardiomyopathy is the second most common condition which causes heart disease in dogs. In DCM, the heart fails to pump blood in an effective manner. Over time, the heart weakens and blood is no longer pumped throughout the body. This most often results in heart failure. Larger breeds of dogs such as Dalmatians, Great Danes and English Sheepdogs are more prone to this condition.

    Treatment

    • Depending on your dog's form of heart disease, there may be medications or surgery in order to improve the condition of the heart. Your veterinarian may also recommend a change in diet or exercise in order to better accommodate your dog's heart condition. There is no current effective cure for canine heart disease. Unfortunately, heart disease will inevitably lead to heart failure. Therefore, most treatments are supportive and only used to prolong life, make the dog more comfortable and allow him to lead as normal of a life as possible.