More panting. Feeling tired while walking. Not wanting to go up or down stairs. It’s normal for dogs to slow down as they age, but sometimes it’s more than just getting older. The early signs of heart disease can be subtle, but it’s important to recognize them. Early diagnosis and treatment of certain heart conditions can slow or prevent congestive heart failure in dogs.
What causes congestive heart failure in dogs?
Heart disease, which can develop into heart failure, is common in older dogs. According to veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Bonnie Lefbom, Dipl. ACVIM, the incidence of heart disease varies from 15% to 30% in large and small dogs and 5% to 15% in giant breed dogs.
Congestive heart failure, which can occur as heart disease progresses, is less common thanks to current veterinary treatments, but some dogs with heart disease will progress to heart failure. Lefbom says small breed dogs with perennial heart murmurs are the most common CHF patients. Large and giant dog breeds often develop weaker heart muscles.
One of the most common causes of heart failure in dogs is chronic degenerative valve disease (CVD). “Like in older adults, heart valves can begin to fail and leak, causing backflow in the body,” says Dr. Lefbom, who practices at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, Virginia. heart and produce a heart murmur. “Over time, with constant backflow through the valves, the heart enlarges. When the heart becomes too large, fluid rushes into the lungs.”
Some breeds with a higher risk of developing CVD include
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Spanish cocker
- Dachshund
- Miniature Poodle
- Miniature Schnauzer
- little terrier
Another common cause of heart failure in dogs is cardiomyopathy, known as cardiomyopathy. With this disease, the valves are fine, but the heart muscle thins, which means it can no longer pump blood the way it should. Dr Lefbom said the faulty pump caused fluid to build up in the lungs or abdomen.
Some breeds are susceptible to cardiomyopathy, including:
- boxer
- Spanish cocker
- Doberman Pinschers
- Great Danes.
Diet and congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs
In recent years, veterinarians have seen an increase in dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, especially in breeds that have not previously been identified as having a higher risk of developing this condition.
“Most of those dogs are eating new or unusual diets,” says Dr. Lefbom. “Initially, it seemed the dietary problem was caused by grain-free foods. Now it seems that dog foods high in beans (peas, lentils and chickpeas) can cause this problem. Research is still underway to find the exact cause.”
Stages of congestive heart failure in dogs
Heart failure occurs in stages. According to Dr. Lefbom, early-stage heart failure is very responsive to treatment and dogs will quickly feel better after being cared for. A dog in the middle stages of heart failure is more difficult to treat and requires more medication. The last stage of heart failure is the most severe, requiring multiple medications several times a day. In the final stages, the dog’s quality of life deteriorates. At this point, pet owners may be faced with the difficult decision to consider euthanasia.
Signs of congestive heart failure in dogs
At first, early signs of congestive heart failure in dogs may go unnoticed, especially for those with no eye training. It can be as small as the dog not wanting to go for walks anymore or not going up and down stairs as often. As heart disease progresses, you may notice a mild cough, especially in the morning, or a faster breathing, even when resting.
Not wanting to move around can also be a sign of aging or arthritis. Even small changes in your dog’s behavior or activity are worth checking with a visit to the vet.
“In the middle stages of heart failure, the dog may begin to have difficulty breathing during exercise or it may not sleep through the night without coughing,” says Dr. Lefbom. “The more severe stage of heart failure requires urgent care for a pet that is really having trouble breathing.”
If you know your dog has heart disease, ask your vet what signs of deterioration you need to watch out for.
How is congestive heart failure in dogs diagnosed?
Your veterinarian can listen to heart murmurs to diagnose heart disease. Heart murmurs are graded from 1 to 6, with 1 being the least severe and 6 being the most severe.
If your veterinarian is concerned your dog may have congestive heart failure, he or she will recommend X-rays of your dog’s heart and lungs to look for signs of heart enlargement and fluid in or around the lungs.
While your primary care veterinarian may be able to treat your dog’s CHF, she may refer you to a veterinary cardiologist for further treatment. Board-certified cardiologists are heart specialists who only treat pets with heart problems, so they are experts in diagnosing, treating, and managing CHF. Cardiologists work alongside your regular veterinarian to develop a treatment and follow-up plan for your dog.
What treatments are available for congestive heart failure?
Although congestive heart failure in dogs cannot be cured, it can be controlled with medication. The goal is to improve the dog’s quality of life and prolong its lifespan.
“Veterinarians and veterinary cardiologists treat heart failure using many of the same medications that are given to people with CHF,” says Dr. Lefbom. “A common example is a drug called Lasix, or furosemide, which helps remove fluid from the lungs.”
With proper treatment, most dogs with CHF can live a relatively normal life. For example, your veterinarian may recommend some lifestyle changes, reducing high-intensity activities like ball chasing. Dogs with CHF are often self-limiting, seeming to know how much activity is appropriate and when to stop. However, Dr. Lefbom says the most important thing is to keep the dog doing at least some of the things they love.
How long can a dog live with congestive heart failure?
On average, dogs who are diagnosed in the early stages of CHF and receive appropriate treatment can live comfortably for about one to two years.
One research conducted in 2015 found that dogs with CHF live 75% longer when treated by a veterinary cardiologist who works closely with your primary care veterinarian.
Is it best to avoid a grain-free diet for dogs with heart disease?
Although no firm conclusions have been reached yet, veterinary researchers, nutritionists, and the FDA continue to investigate the cause of diet-induced cardiomyopathy (dilated cardiomyopathy). ). This leaves many pet owners wondering if they should avoid giving their dogs a grain-free diet, especially for dogs with heart disease or at risk for heart disease.
“Feeding a grain-free diet may be less of an issue, and the bigger concern seems to be dog foods that are high in peas, lentils, and chickpeas,” says Dr. Lefbom. legumes) is high. “With so many diets on the market, there are no easy answers as to what to feed individual dogs.”
It’s best to talk to your veterinarian about the best foods to feed your dog and what types of formulas or ingredients to avoid.
