By Stephanie Kress   

Heart disease is common in dogs, perhaps as common as it is in humans. While some dogs are born with developmental heart problems, most develop their problems during adulthood or old age. The heart is responsible for pumping the oxygen-carrying blood around the body, and when heart function is less than optimal, body tissues do not receive as much oxygen as they need. When the heart is no longer capable of doing its job effectively, the condition is referred to as heart failure. There are now a great many ways of diagnosing heart disease. In addition to electrocardiograms (ECGs), cardiac ultrasound has made the diagnosis of heart disease much easier to detect. Regular visits to your veterinarian often can mean the difference between life and premature death. Dog owners may not realize that their pets are susceptible to many forms of heart disease. In most cases, heart disease can be successfully managed by early detection and treatment. Of the dogs in the United States examined annually by veterinarians, approximately 3.2 million have some form of heart disease, and many are in heart failure. Heart failure results from the heart's inability to pump blood at a rate required to meet the body's needs. While continuing to work harder to pump blood, further damage can occur. The most common congenital cardiovascular anomaly of dogs is patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA. When the duct doesn't close as it should, blood is pushed back through the heart instead of throughout the body. This can cause such visual signs as exercise intolerance, increased breathing rate, and coughing or collapsing during exercise. The best solution usually is surgery. In most cases surgery is successful and well-tolerated. Too often, dog owners do not take their dogs to visit their veterinarian until the dogs are displaying signs of severe heart failure-and by then it often is too late. When heart disease is detected, your veterinarian can discuss a treatment plan and recommend a schedule of regular follow-up visits. There are two very common types of heart problems in dogs. One is when a dog's heart valves lose their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood flow. In the other type, the muscular walls of the heart become thinned and weakened. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most severe form of heart disease for a dog, and it occurs when the heart weakens and can no longer pump effectively. Some dogs with heart failure are classic couch potatoes-overweight and inactive. Obesity can harm your dog's heart in many ways-just as in people. These drawbacks in health can sometimes turn a mild heart problem into a more serious one. Animals with heart failure may also retain salt and water in their bodies, leading to fluid retention. If the heart is not working properly, the amount of blood circulating to the body will be decreased, causing fatigue, weakness, and a pale appearance of the gums. Treatment for this type of heart problem may include a low sodium diet together with restricted exercise, and the use of one or more drugs. The drugs are used to increase the strength of the contraction of the heart muscle, encourage water loss, and dilate blood vessels so that the heart can more easily circulate the blood. With careful assessment of your pet's individual needs by your pet's surgeon and your commitment to managed care at home, your pet may be able to lead a relatively comfortable life. It is important not to feed any snacks, treats or tidbits, as these may contain a higher level of sodium than your pet can tolerate. If your pet is overweight, you may be advised to try a low calorie diet, as extra weight increases stress on the heart and lungs. Animals with heart disease may have decreased appetite, both from feeling unwell and as a side effect from the heart drugs that are prescribed. Find foods that are yummy and healthy. Sometimes a little encouragement goes a long way. If you suspect your pet may have heart problems or you notice specific symptoms, contact your local veterinarian. A healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise from the puppy stage can very often prevent heart disease from occurring later in your dog's life. A healthy heart means a happy dog and a happy dog makes a happy home. If your dog's tail wags from puppyhood to adulthood to its senior years, then a "hearty" thanks is welcomed by all. -Stephanie Kress Kress is the director of marketing and public relations at Theiss, Lipner & Co., LLP, with whom she has worked since 1995. Kress can be contacted in New York at (718) 225-7325 or in Miami Beach at (305) 535-0950, c/o Marshall Lipner, CPA.

Top of Page

		Table of Contents  Our Latest Issue   Advertise   Chatroom  Comics   Contact   Departments   Discussion  Guestbook   Issues   Pet Links Katsation.com & PuppyStation.com Select Main   OR  Home About Advertising Comics Contact Departments Discussion Editors Guestbook Issues Related Sites Pet Links Directory Select Department Departments 20/20 Facts Ask Dr. Jane Ask A Trainer Bird Stop Book Reviews Breeds Cat's Meow Celebrities' Classifieds Dog Time Editorials Exotics Features Fishy Grooming Harry's Kitchen Holistic Care The Spotlight Kids & Pets Open Wide Pet Post Pets In Court Pet Travel While Away Wild Thing  OR Select Issue  Issues Main Covers 1995 Covers 1996 Covers 1997 September 1997 November 1997 Covers 1998 February 1998 April 1998 June 1998 August 1998 October 1998 Covers 1999 January 1999 March 1999 May 1999 July 1999 September 1999 November 1999 Covers 2000 January 2000 March 2000 May 2000 July 2000 September 2000 November 2000 Covers 2001 February 2001 April 2001 July 2001 September 2001 Covers 2002 March 2002 June 2002 November 2002* Covers 2003
	Have the Tyme? Suggest This Page to a Friend! Your Name and E-Mail: Your Friends E-Mail:		Search The Pet Tribune On-Line ! More Search Options !