Heart Disease or Other Heart Problems – Is Your Dog Predisposed?

Dogs do not have heart attacks like humans.  However, certain breeds are predisposed to heart disease and heart problems.  Most commonly, heart disease or heart problems are hereditary/congenital.  However, there are also additional underlying factors, such as trauma/injury, environmental problems, dental and dietary issues that can bring about heart problems.

In some cases where the problem is mild to moderate, with certain precautions and medications, your dog can live a normal life.  In more serious cases, your veterinarian my suggest surgery or even euthanasia.

Some of the primary causes of heart problems or heart disease includes, but are not limited to:

Heartworms

Periodontal Disease

Genetics

Trauma/Injury

Medication

Diet

Heartworm treatment

Diet change

Limited and mild exercise

Medication

Surgery

A few examples of heart problems and disease include, but are not limited to:

Heartworm Damage

High Blood Pressure

Bacterial Endocarditis is a bacterial infection of the heart, as a rule caused by periodontal disease and treatment for other problems, using immuno-suppressant drugs, such as corticosteroids.

Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (CDC) disease of the heart muscle bring about a loss of the normal contracting abilities of the ventricles.

Valvular Heart Disease (VHD) is when the defect valves allow blood to be forced back into one or both of the atria, as the ventricles contract to expel blood from the heart.

Congestive Heart Disease condition where fluid back up into the lungs, because the heart does not pump hard enough.

Aortic Stenosis (AS) narrowing of the main blood vessel (aorta)) as it leaves the left side of the heart.

Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is the narrowing of the main blood vessel (aorta) as it leaves the left side of the heart.

Mitro Valve Disease (MVP) is the leaky valve causing a backflow of blood into the left atrium of the heart.

Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD) is the leaky valve causing a backflow of blood into the right atrium of the heart.

Signs you should watch for are:

Difficulty breathing

Heavy Breathing

Lethargy

Lack of appetite

Coughing

Wheezing

Edema

Abdominal bloat

Fainting

Excessive drooling

Periodontal disease

Blue gum

Blue tongue

Tests your veterinary may suggest includes:

Blood work

Urine test

Chest X-ray

Electocrdiogram (ECG)

Echocardiogram (Ultrasound)

Treatments your veterinarian may suggest are:

Heartworm treatment

Diet change

Limited and mild exercise

Medication

Surgery

Breeds predisposed to heart disease and problems include, but are not limited to:

American Cocker Spaniel

American Staffordshire Terrier

Beagle

Boxer

Bouvier des Flandres

Border Terrier

Bulldog

Cairn Terrier

Chihuahua

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Dachshund

Doberman Pinscher

German Shepherd

German Shorthair Pointer

Golden Retriever

Great Dane

Greyhound

Irish Wolfhound

Japanese Chin

Keeshond

Labrador Retriever

Lhasa Apso

Miniature Poodle

Miniature Schnauzer

Newfoundland

Pomeranian

Rottweiler

Samoyed

St. Bernard

Scottish Wolfhound

Shetland Sheepdog

Smooth Fox Terrier

Toy Poodle

Wire Fox Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Bottom line: Before acquiring a puppy or dog, do your homework!  By knowing what medical concerns your dog may be predisposed to, can be a tremendous advantage.  A knowledgeable dog owner is a responsible dog owner.