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HEART FAILURE
IN DOGS
DOG QUESTION: Our much
loved, twelve year old dog's hind legs started to swell.
They swelled so tight, the skin turned purple. We rushed
him to a Emergency Vet who examined him and says he has
Heart Failure. He sent us home, just saying our precious
pet does not have long to live. We just want to know more
about it. Can you help us?
Yes, it sounds like heart
failure, in your dogs case, "Right Heart Failure". Heart
failure can be defined as the inability of the heart to
provide adequate circulation to meet the bodies needs. It
is the end result of weakened heart muscle. It is not a
simple condition, nor is the prognosis good. The liver,
kidneys, lungs and other systems are affected, causing a
multiple organ-system problem. Most cases represent long
standing conditions that have overstressed or damaged the
heart.
LEFT HAND FAILURE: When the left ventricle starts to
fail, pressure builds up in the pulmonary circulation. The
result is lung congestion and accumulation of fluid in the
air sacs. In the late stages (Pulmonary Edema), dogs cough
up a bubbly red fluid and get can't get enough oxygen. Left
Hand failure of the heart muscle is often caused by aging in
the older dog. In a younger dog, it is Congenital Heart
Disease which is a birth defect.
The early signs of left sided failure are impaired exercise
ability and shortness of breath. As the condition advances,
the dog begins to cough when over taxed by excitement or
strenuous exercise. In many cases, the cough is first noted
at night, about two hours after retiring. You may notice
that your dog seems restless and cannot find a comfortable
position in which to sleep.
Despite still eating well, the dog slowly begins to look
unthrifty, losing weight, and the coat becomes dry and
lusterless. As failure continues, breathing is labored and
the dog assumes a characteristic sitting position with
elbows spread apart and head extended foreword in an attempt
to draw in more air. The dog will attempt to even sleep
sitting upright. The pulse is rapid, weak and sometimes
irregular. Anxiety and fainting occur late in the disease,
often mistaken for a type of seizure disorder.
RIGHT HEART FAILURE:
When the right heart muscle starts to fail, pressure backs
up in the veins, causing Congestive Heart Failure. In
advanced cases the gums are gray(Cyanosis) and the LIMBS
ARE SWOLLEN (Dropsy).
Early signs of right sided
failure are rapid pulse, shortness of breath, loss of pep
and slowly intolerance to exercise. In the late stages, you
will observe muscle wasting, enlargement of the liver and
spleen and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen(Ascities),
giving the dog a pot bellied look.
One of the most common causes of
right heart failure is an already established left sided
heart failure. Or one of the following, Valvular Heart
Disease, Heartworms, Congenital Heart Disease,
Cardiomyopathy or Chronic Lung Disease usually being at
fault.
Treatment of Heart Failure must be under the supervision of
a Veterinarian. The first goal of treatment is to remove or
correct the underlying cause whenever possible. Congenital
Heart Disease and Heartworm infestations are potentially
curable if treated in time.
Obesity is a serious
complicating factor in all dogs with heart disease.
Overweight dogs should be put on a Low Calorie Diet. A Low
Salt Diet is of great assistance in treating dogs suffering
from Congestive Heart Failure. Most commercial diets
contain to much salt, the Vet will prescribe a low salt diet
food.
Fluid buildup is best managed by
the use of Diuretics. Potassium Supplements may be
necessary when using Diuretics. Vitamin B supplements are
indicated in dogs with Congestive Heart Failure.
Restrict all activities to those
well within your dog's exercise tolerance so as to not
overburden the heart.
Various drugs are available that
help to increase the force and contraction of the heart or
control Arrhythmias. They require Veterinary supervision.
These measures can yield
substantial results in terms of a more comfortable and more
active life for your dog and lead to prolonging the dogs
life.
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