Understanding Heart Failure in Dogs

Introduction

Heart failure is a serious condition that affects many dogs, especially as they age. Common heart issues, like endocardiosis and dilated cardiomyopathy, can be challenging for both pets and their owners. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in managing your dog’s health and quality of life. Here, we explain these conditions, signs to watch for, how heart failure progresses, and the treatments and monitoring methods that can help your dog live comfortably.

Common Heart Issues in Dogs

Endocardiosis

Endocardiosis, also known as degenerative valve disease, primarily affects the mitral valve, leading to a leakage of blood in the heart. It’s most common in small and older dog breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds.

• Progression: As the valve degenerates, blood flows back into the heart, leading to an enlarged heart, inefficient blood circulation, and eventually, symptoms of heart failure.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease, usually affecting large dog breeds such as Dobermans and Great Danes. The heart muscle becomes weak, leading to enlargement and difficulty pumping blood effectively.

• Progression: Over time, DCM can lead to heart failure due to reduced blood flow, which may cause fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and lethargy.

Signs to Watch For

Heart failure often starts with subtle symptoms, which progress as the heart condition worsens. Early signs include:

• Coughing (especially at night or after exercise)
• Decreased energy or tiring easily
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased appetite

As heart failure progresses, additional symptoms may include:

• Frequent coughing and labored breathing
• Fluid buildup (swelling in the abdomen or limbs)
• Fainting or sudden collapse
• Severe weakness

How Heart Failure Progresses

Heart failure in dogs typically progresses through stages. In the early stages, your dog may experience mild symptoms with little impact on daily life. As the disease advances, however, symptoms become more pronounced, affecting quality of life and sometimes shortening lifespan.

• Early Stage: Mild symptoms, such as occasional coughing or decreased activity level.
• Moderate Stage: Increased difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and fluid buildup.
• Advanced Stage: Severe symptoms including frequent breathing issues, weakness, and possible fainting episodes.

Every dog’s progression will differ, depending on the underlying condition and response to treatment.

Common Medications and Their Roles

Managing heart failure often involves a combination of medications, each designed to alleviate specific symptoms and support heart function:

• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Benazepril): Help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, easing the workload on the heart.
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): Aid in removing excess fluid, reducing symptoms like coughing and fluid buildup.
• Pimobendan (Vetmedin): Increases the heart muscle’s efficiency and helps blood circulation, particularly effective for dogs with DCM.
• Beta-Blockers (e.g., Atenolol): Help reduce heart workload and control heart rate.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., Clopidogrel): Reduce the risk of blood clots, which can complicate advanced heart conditions.

Monitoring Recommendations

At-Home Monitoring

Monitoring your dog’s symptoms at home can provide valuable insights into their heart health:

• Check Resting Respiratory Rate (RRR): Count your dog’s breaths per minute when they are deep asleep. Do this once a day for a week to get your dog’s average RRR. Then check the RRR once a week. If the RRR slowly increases it tells you that something has changed in either the lungs or the heart and your dog’s would benefit from a physical exam and probably some diagnostics like a chest radiograph.

If the RRR suddenly jumps but your dog has been acting normal then just check the next night. If it is back to your dog’s normal then you probably caught them in a dream and didn’t realize it. If the RRR is up 33% then we would recommend an exam.

• Watch for Changes in Behavior: Changes in appetite, energy level, or increased coughing can indicate that your dog’s condition is worsening.

In-Clinic Monitoring

Regular veterinary visits help keep a close watch on your dog’s heart health through advanced diagnostic tools:

• X-Rays: Show heart size, detect fluid buildup in the lungs, and provide a general overview of the chest.
• Ultrasound (Echocardiogram): Measures heart function and detects changes in heart muscle and valve condition.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring: Helps manage safe blood pressure levels, as high blood pressure can exacerbate heart disease.

Contact Us for More Information

If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment to discuss your dog’s heart health, please reach out to us. Early and consistent monitoring can make a difference in managing your dog’s condition.