Valvular Heart Disease In Dogs

Valvular Heart Disease in Dogs

When it comes to heart disease, dogs are much the same with humans. It can be a congenital faulty heart condition present at birth, or acquired which often develops over time during middle age and affects many older dogs. Both kinds can have the same serious results in a condition called heart failure.

Valvular heart disease in dogs is a condition distinguished by degeneration and thickening of the heart valves. This disorder is the most common cause of heart disease in veterinary practice and represents the most important of adult canine heart diseases. Valvular heart disease in dogs is a progressive disease commonly affecting older dogs which includes Yorkshire terriers, schnauzers, cocker spaniels, poodles, and small mixed-breeds. Some breeds can be affected earlier in life, such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Valvular heart disease in dogs causes valve malfunction which can lead to heart failure or heart enlargement with buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or the abdomen (ascites).

A dog suffering from valvular heart disease (VHD) will show signs such as frequent coughing, wheezing, edema (swelling), decreased appetite and weight loss, excessive weakness, signs of poor circulation, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, and fainting. Some early stages of heart disease in dogs will have no visible signs and needs to be diagnosed through clinical evaluation by a veterinarian.

To diagnose VHD in dogs, veterinary care should be given and should include diagnostic tests and successive treatment recommendations. Diagnostic tests are needed to identify valvular heart disease in dogs, and the tests include the following:

* Echochardiogram or ultrasound
* Chest X-rays
* Electrocardiogram (EKG)
* Complete medical history and physical examination with auscultation

Treating valvular heart disease in dogs may include one or more of the following:

* Sodium or salt restricted diet
* Angiotensin inhibitors such as enalapril or benazepril
* Positive inotropic drugs such as digoxin which increases contractions of cardiac muscles
* Diuretics such as furosemide

It is always important to remember that regular visits to your veterinarian could mean a big difference between a long life and premature death of your dogs. Many forms of heart disease are susceptible to dogs, but can be successfully managed with early detection and treatment. New treatments are available for dogs although there is no cure for most heart disease in dogs. A successful treatment depends on a lot of factors but early detection always helps best. Following a veterinarian's advice can help your dog live longer.

Your dog can live a decent and happy life and there is a lot you can do for this, ensuring your dog gets a balance diet and a moderate amount of exercise results to a healthy heart-disease free dog.