CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE (CHF)
When the heart is not functioning or pumping blood well, that means it is failing. In dogs there are two common conditions in which the heart fails from either the weakness of heart valves or the weakness of the heart muscle. Weakness of the heart valves or the heart valve disease is mostly in older small to medium breeds from the infections (especially teeth infection) while the weakness of the heart muscle is more genetic in large breeds like Dobermans, Spanials and Boxers.
Heart problems are commonly found in both dogs and cats. Some pets may be Congenital or Born with Heart Defects or develop problems at very early age. Up to 50% of all pets will eventually develop heart problems. Older dogs and cats of all breeds may develop congestive heart failure as the heart ages. Most heart problems do not show visible clinical signs until in later stage of the disease. By the time clinical signs are observed, the heart is usually already damaged. The important thing for your pet is to diagnose the problems early before any clinical signs develop. Many heart problems with defects can be surgically corrected when young.
In Heart Valve Disease, the blood flow leaks back when the heart contracts to pump blood thus creating a noise we call the Heart Murmur. Many times heart murmurs do not cause any serious problems in pets but there comes a point when this weakness of the heart impairs the blood circulation thus the blood backs up into the chest (Right CHF) or abdomen (Left CHF) leading to stagnation and congestion, causing Congestive Heart Failure. As the disease progresses the symptoms can become more severe. Most common symptoms seen in dogs with congestive heart failure include are coughing, lack of energy and exercise intolerance, difficulty in breathing, fainting and swelling of the abdomen or lung congestion. Regular rechecks are important for early detection of heart disease and to monitor the treatment of a dog or cat with heart disease.
In heart failure, there is no cure but can be managed to make your pets' life more comfortable or extend life with restriction in activity or exercise, special sodium restrictive diet, heart medication contraction, reduce congestion, breath better or cough less.
We at the Garfield Animal hospital, are here to help make your pet better and enjoy the companionship more healthier and longer. Please call us for an appointment by at 562-630-2082 to have your pet examined by our doctor.
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