WHAT IS HEART DISEASE?

Heart disease occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.  Blood may back up in the heart, lungs or other organs.  Blood vessels constrict and blood pressure increases.  Fluid may leak out of the vessels, especially vessels in the lungs and liver, causing congestion in the lungs and/or fluid accumulation in the abdomen and other tissue.

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF MY PET HAVING HEART DISEASE?

Heart disease in a young animal is usually the result of a congenital problem such as a heart murmur or a small or enlarged heart.  Heart disease in an older animal is generally the result of the aging process.  It is impossible to predict which animals will develop heart disease during their lifetime.

WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE?

Warning signs of heart disease include:

• weakness

• lack of energy

• irregular or rapid breathing

• coughing

• lack of appetite and weight loss

• fainting

• increased urination

• abdominal swelling

HOW IS HEART DISEASE DIAGNOSED?

The first step in identifying heart disease is to gather a complete history of the patient's current medical condition.

Next, a thorough examination is performed by a veterinarian who will evaluate the patient's heart rhythm through the use of a stethoscope.  During the heart evaluation, the veterinarian listens to the rate of the heart beat and for sounds of a heart murmur which are often the first detectable signs of disease.  The veterinarian will also listen to the lungs to hear if there is any fluid buildup caused by poor blood flow.  Also, the veterinarian will palpate the abdomen to evaluate if there is any fluid buildup that could be the result of abnormal kidney function that may be the sign of poor blood flow due to heart disease.

Additional routine diagnostic testing will be used to determine how specific parts of the body are working.

Blood tests tell us

• fluid volume

• organ functions (especially kidneys)

• presence of infection

• presence of heartworm disease

Urinalysis tells us

• how the kidneys are functioning

Radiographs tell us

• heart size

• presence of fluid in the lungs

• enlarged arteries and veins in the lungs

Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) tells us

• the size of the heart, specific chambers of the heart, and large blood vessels

• how specific parts of the heart, such as the valves, are functioning

• the strength and regularity of heart muscle movements

Blood pressure tells us

• the amount of pressure that the heart is producing to pump blood throughout the body

Electrocardiogram (ECG) tells us

•  any irregularities of the heart rate and/or rhythm

During the final step the veterinarian reviews all of the test results and uses the information to confirm a diagnosis and/or to rule out possible problems.  Some common cardiovascular (heart) diseases include:

• Hereditary Heart Murmur - which is a congenital deformity of the heart structure.  Values do not develop correctly and allow a backflow of blood within the chambers of the heart.

• Old Age Heart Murmur - as the pet ages, heart values start to weaken and do not close properly as the heart beats which allow a backflow of blood within the chambers of the heart.

• Cardiomyopathy - occurs when the muscles of the chamber walls of the heart weaken causing a worsening in the heart's ability to function.

• Congestive Heart Failure - Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart becomes weak and is unable to pump enough blood to the body's other organs.  Congestive heart failure causes other problems with other organs such as the lungs and the kidneys.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HEART DISEASE?

Although there is no cure for heart disease, medical treatment can help pets live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.  Depending on the extent and type of heart disease found, recommended treatment plans may include dietary changes, increased exercise or exercise restriction, and medication therapy.

Early detection and management of heart disease provide the best chance for successful treatment.   If you are concerned that your pet may be experiencing signs of heart disease, please schedule an appointment for a thorough examination with one of our veterinarians.