Canine Heart Disease

Keywords:
Heart, disease, check up, senior, blood test, cardiomyopathy, valvular, diet, medication, cardiologist, pacemaker

Canine Heart Disease

Canine Heart Disease

It has often been said that our dogs are "all heart" and fortunately most of these hearts are working beautifully, but we do occasionally examine patients whose hearts are not quite working up to par. In fact, according to the American veterinary medical association, about 1 in 10 dogs nationally, or about 4.2 million dogs have some form of heart disease. This disease can be a heart valve disease which we see more commonly in the smaller breeds, or be a heart muscle disease, called cardiomyopathy, which we see more commonly in the large and giant breeds.

Some of these diseases are inherited, and can be detected very early on, while others develop later on in life, and can sometimes be difficult to detect. That is why it is very important to examine the heart very thoroughly as part of all routine exams-especially for middle aged and older pets. With valve diseases, we will often hear a murmur as the first sign of a problem. With the heart muscle diseases, or cardiomyopathies, the earliest signs might only be detected via radiographs, an ECG, or on an echocardiogram, which is a special heart ultrasound study. There are some new blood tests for heart disease on the horizon which may soon change the way we diagnose these problems. Because heart disease can occur later in life, routine monitoring is always important, and a clean bill of health last year doesn't guarantee the same this year!

Since both valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, early detection and treatment is essential to help slow the progression of the disease. Treatments vary based on the severity of the disease and the patient's overall health, so a thorough physical exam, complete with blood and urine analysis, is always recommended prior to treatment. When caught early, before the onset of noticeable clinical signs, treatment may simply involve a special diet with or without one or two daily oral medications, and, of course, frequent follow-ups. As the heart disease progresses, other medications may be indicated, and in cases of advanced disease, a referral to a veterinary cardiologist-an animal heart specialist-may be in order.

The good news is that there have been many advancements made in the treatment of canine heart disease-there are even dogs walking around today with pacemakers! When diagnosed early, heart disease is much more treatable, which allows this important member of your family to enjoy the longest, best quality of life possible.

  Go back

Daily Pet News


An End to Pet Allergies?
In the movie, Cats and Dogs, Jeff Goldblum’s character invents a vaccine for humans that cures dog allergies. Well, real life scientists are currently working on an injection that will cure cat allergies. Early studies show the vaccine is effective at reducing cat allergy symptoms by about 40%. When the irritants are injected instead of breathed in naturally, they turn off the T-Cells. The body builds a long term tolerance to the allergen, allowing the patient to interact with cats without the severe coughing and sneezing.

Pets, Plants, and Dangers
If you have been outside at all lately, then you have seen the trees and flowers in full bloom. And while they are beautiful, some plant life is very dangerous for your pets. The toxins can cause difficulty breathing, convulsions, or organ failure. Among a list of toxic plants are lilies, azaleas, elephant’s ear, oleander, and sago palms. The ASPCA website has a complete list.

Algae to Control Diabetes in Pets
Research shows that algae can help to control diabetes in pets. It’s important to start with a high protein, low carbohydrate diet to reduce the fluctuation in blood sugar. Couple the diet with spirulina and results should be quicker and better. Various studies show that the algae can balance blood sugar, reduce fat, inhibit osteoporosis, and speed up healing.

Where to Find a Particular Breed of Dog
Are you in search of a specific breed of dog? There is a new website called PerfectPetFinder.com that is designed find your perfect companion. The website has a form that can be used to help choose a breed for you. The form will indicate the most compatible breed based on living quarters, and activity levels and personality of the pet owner.

Cats and Vets
Cats are far less likely to visit the vet than dogs, but not because they are healthier. In fact, they are 4 times more likely to contract rabies. But many cats don’t like to travel and may have anxiety simply from being put in their carries. Some owners assume this is the case and do not even attempt to round up their cats. Unfortunately, the cats are getting the short end of the stick as they need to be examined , just as dogs.

What to Do When You Lose Your Pets
People lose pets everyday, but what do you do if you find one? A good place to start is by visiting local pet stores and posting flyers in the area. You can also call a veterinarian, and a local shelter. Get the word out through as many channels as possible to speed up the reunion. If you have the time, the means, and the desire, you can take care of the scared animal after getting checked by your veterinarian.

Pet Airways Riding High
Pet Airways more than doubled its sales for 2010 as compared to 2009. The world’s only airline specifically designed for the comfort and safety of companion animals boasts a 100% success rate for pet transportation. Pets enjoy a climate controlled main cabin ride and are examined periodically during the flight. Flying can be a dangerous experience for pets, but those dangers can be minimized with an airline that specializes in pet travel.

Benefits of Seizures Assistance Dogs
Epileptic children can benefit from specially trained seizure assistance dogs. The dogs can alert parents when their children have a seizure. They will also roll the seizing child onto its side so it will not choke. At times when a child may walk into traffic or other dangerous predicaments during a seizure, the dog will take the form of a protective blockade.

Twin Horses
A recent birth is worth mentioning. An Indiana mixed breed horse gave birth to twins. Horses only conceive twins in approximately one in every ten thousand pregnancies. And of those 1 in ten are carried to full term with a very small portion of the foals being born as healthy individuals. However, these twins have beaten the odds and are doing well.

Dangers of Biking with Long Leashes
A San Jose women died recently when she became entangled in a long dog leash when she was passed on a running trail by a biker and his dogs. The unfortunate accident has led to a change in leash law. From now on, San Jose trail patrons will only be allowed to use 6 foot leashes or shorter. Shorter leashes are not only safer, but are much better for training your dog to stick by your side.