Nursery Rhymes

Canine Heart Disease

There are three types of Canine Heart Disease:

  • Congenital disorders which are rare and present at birth
  • Hereditary Heart Disease
  • Acquired disorders which are the most common and which develops over a period of time

Picture of a Dog Skeleton

Dog Health Issues - Description of Canine Heart Disease
Heart Disease is as common in dogs as it is in people. There are many ways in which heart disease can be detected and regular visits to a Veterinary Surgeon will ensure early detection and treatment - the difference between life and death.

Dog Health Questions - Canine Heart Disease Causes
Dogs rarely have Heart Attacks but tend to get diseases of the valves of the heart which can result in heart murmurs. The heart valves can lose their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood flow or the muscular walls of the heart become thinned and weakened. Causes include the following:

  • Congenital disorders some of which are due to genetic factors,
  • Infections
  • Parasites
  • Diet Deficiencies
  • Obesity will aggravate the condition

Different Types of Canine Heart Disease

  • CVD - Heart valves can lose their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood flow - Chronic Valvular Disease (CVD)
  • DCM - The muscular walls of the heart become thinned and weakened - Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
  • Heart Failure - DCM and CVD can result in the same serious condition - heart failure Canine heart failure is caused by one side of the heart being required to do more than it is physically able causing the muscles to fail

Heart Failure

  • Heart Failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood around to meet the needs of the dog's body
  • Continuing to work harder to pump blood, further damage can occur
  • Blood pressure increases

Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Canine Heart Disease
Canine Heart Disease is marked by a variety of symptoms which can include the following:

  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of energy
  • Coughing
  • Fast and Irregular breathing
  • Abdominal Swelling
  • Fainting

Dog Health Questions - Dogs susceptible to Canine Heart Disease
Heart Disease is usually associated with older dogs but it may occur in dogs and puppies under one year old due to congenital or hereditary disorders. Some breeds are more susceptible to specific types of heart disease as follows:

  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - Large breeds such as Great Danes and Dobermanns
  • Chronic Valvular Disease (CVD) - Smaller Breeds such as Chihuahuas, Poodles and Spaniels

Dog Health Information - Treatment of Canine Heart Disease
The treatment of canine heart disease is dependent on the condition but can include a new diet and exercise program, medication to strengthen the muscles or to remove excess fluid.

Dog Health Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health Specialist.

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.

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