Heart Disease in Dogs

47

 

Introduction-
One of many diseases that humans share with their four-legged friend, i.e., the dogs is heart disease. In occurrence of heart disease in dogs is all most on the same level as that of humans. However, there might be few dogs that are born with any kind of heart mal-function or some of them may develop the disease during their life time. In almost all the cases heart problem vets are able to diagnose it and start early treatment but if left untreated it can cause heart failure.

There are 3 basic reasons which lead to heart failure-

1) Dilated cardiomyopathy

2) Mitral valve disease

3) Chronic valvular heart disease

Symptoms/ Signs of heart Disease

The signs in case of heart disease are same irrespective of the reason of the heart failure. The following are the symptoms-

Coughing, lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, swollen abdomen, difficulty in breathing, pale or bluish gums, also in some cases fainting is known etc.

Treatment/ Vaccination-

1) An important aspect of treating a dog includes changing the food habits, exercise pattern or in some situations complete rest is advised by the vet.

2) Diuretics (furosemide or laxis) is given to discharge the pooled fluids and blood from the lungs or abdomen. When furosemide fails to show result, spironolactone is administered.

3) Other methods include giving of Enalapril and Lisinopril, Inodilators like Pimobendan, positive l

Leave a Reply