GARFIELD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

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 valvular insufficiency is mostly acquired 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 and Boxers.

     The valvular insufficiency causes the blood to leak back into the atrial chamber when the large ventricle chambers contract to pump blood thus creating a noise we call it the heart murmur. Many times the pet can adjust with this condition without causing any serious symptom but there comes a point when this weakness of the heart impairs the blood circulation thus the blood backs up into the chest or abdomen leading to stagnation and congestion , causing Congestive Heart Failure. As the disease progresses the symptoms can become more severe. The symptoms most commonly seen in dogs with congestive heart failure include: Coughing, lack of energy and intolerance of exercise, loss of appetite and / or weight loss, labored breathing, fainting and swelling of the abdomen. Regular rechecks are important for early detection of heart disease and to monitor the treatment of a dog with heart disease.

     In heart failure, there is no cure but some steps which can be taken to make your pets' life more comfortable. Some exercise or activity is restricted and special diets and medication is prescribed to help heart 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.   

Mention You Read this on Our Website and We will Give You 15% Off on the XRays, Blood Test and the ECG/EKG on Your Pet's Visit! 

 WHAT IS ECG?

    It is electrocardiogram or EKG, a test widely used to assess and evaluate the status of the heart's conduction system, the muscles and indirectly the condition of heart as a pump. EKG is a graphical presentation of the electrical activity of the heart muscles with an EKG machine.These readings are the tools for diagnosing abnormalities.The heart itself beats because a wave of electrical energy moves through the chambers, starting in the atria and moving down to the ventricles. This electrical wave makes the muscle wall of these chambers contract, pumping out its contained blood.

      Heart problems are commonly found in both dogs and cats. Some pets may be born with heart problems 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 secret to the longest "quality" life for your pet is the strategy of catching the problems early, before any clinical signs develop.

    EKG screening allows us to look for abnormalities in the heart rythm and diagnose heart conditions much earlier thus provide us the opportunity to consider medications to ease the heart's workload and/or strengthen the heart. It is strongly recommended that all pets should be screened annually as part of the comprehensive physical examination, chest x-rays and complete blood work beginning at 8 years of age, and Before all Anesthetic Procedures. 

    ECG screening is now made very affordable and easy to perform. Please call (562)630-2082 and make an appointment with the doctor to discuss how can we get ECG via Cardio-Pet or Telemedicine from a Cardiology Specialist and treat your pet with their recommendations.