Heart Disease In Dogs

Heart disease is common in dogs, maybe as common as it is in humans. While some dogs are born with the development of heart problems, most problems develop in adulthood and old age. The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-carrying blood around the body, and when heart function is far from optimal, the tissues in the body does not receive as much oxygen as they need. When the heart is no longer able to do its job effectively, the condition is defined as heart failure. There are now many ways to diagnose heart disease. In addition to electrocardiograms (ECG), cardiac ultrasound has made the diagnosis of heart disease much easier to detect. Regular visits to your veterinarian can often 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 managed successfully by early detection and treatment. 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 inability of the heart to pump blood at a rate necessary to meet the needs of the organization. While continuing to work harder to pump blood, the damage occurs. The most common congenital heart defect dog is patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA. When the duct does not close as it should, the blood is pushed into the heart instead of the whole body. This can cause such an exercise video such as intolerance, increased breathing rate and coughing or collapse during exercise. The best solution is usually surgery. In most cases surgery was successful and well tolerated. Too often, dog owners do not take their dogs to visit their veterinarian until the dogs displaying signs of severe heart failure, and by then it is often too late. When heart disease is detected, your veterinarian can discuss a treatment plan and recommend a program of regular follow-up visits. There are two kinds of very common heart problems in dogs. When is a dog heart valves to lose their ability to close, leading to abnormal blood flow. In the other type, the walls of the heart muscle becomes weakened and thinned. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most severe form of heart disease for a dog, and it occurs when the heart is weakened and can no longer pump effectively. Some dogs with heart failure are classic couch potato-overweight and inactive. Obesity can damage your dog's heart in many ways - just like in people. These disadvantages in health can turn a slight heart problem and more serious.