Heart diseases in cats and dogs
Dogs and cats are domestic animals and depend on man for their well being and care. If your pet dog or cat has been diagnosed as having a heart ailment, then you need to give that extra care and monitor its health regularly. You need to constantly look for subtle signs such as breathlessness and fatigue which could be warning signs of an onset of heart failure. This will allay some of the discomfort and illness of the pet and enable it to live a near normal life.
Heart disease in dogs
Dogs can suffer from heart disease often due to valve defects. Certain breeds of dogs such as Yorkshire terriers, Poodles and Cocker spaniels have a genetic inclination towards developing heart disease.
Signs and symptoms
The dog can have a sort of dry hacking cough and disturbance in the heart rate. Sometimes, they exhibit wet productive sounding cough that may result in slowing down, eating less and sleeping for long periods. Occasionally, they may collapse and show stiffness of the legs with an arching back of the head. Severe heart conditions can result in urine incontinence and loss of control over stools. The dogs may get seizure attacks due to acute congestive heart failure. Heart muscle disease is commonly seen in Doberman pincers, Cocker Spaniels, Great Danes and Boxers. Others can be affected too.
Diagnostic tools
Heart disease in dogs can be diagnosed by physical examination, chest radiographs, ECG and ultrasound scanning of the heart. The veterinarian is well equipped to diagnose heart disease and deliver prompt treatment to the affected dogs. He or she will put him on medication to relax the heart muscle and allow proper flow of blood through the valves. Nutrient supplements such as L-carnitine and taurine sometimes help in controlling the disease and prevents further deterioration.
Home care
Put your ailing dog on a strict diet prescribed by the vet. Follow the instructions as to when and how the medication needs to be administered. Give sufficient fluids so that there is less load om the heart muscle. Low sodium diets are usually advised to keep up the electrolyte balance. Avoid fatty foods and fried foods. The dog may be put on diuretics such as Lasix which calls for constant access to water to avoid dehydration. Excessive physical exercise should be avoided and the dog should be kept in a cool atmosphere and avoid heat and humidity.
Heart disease in cats
Unlike dogs, cats seldom get valvular heart disease. They usually get congestive heart disease due to weakening of the heart muscle. The feline heart then fails to pump sufficient blood due to an enlarged heart.
Signs and symptoms
Loss of appetite, malaise, breathlessness and weight loss are the signs of heart failure in cats.
Diagnostic tools
Heart disease in cats can be diagnosed by physical examination, chest X-rays, ECG and ultrasound scanning of the heart. The veterinarian can identify heart murmurs in case of heart disease.
Home care
Feline home care for cats with heart disease is pretty much the same as for dogs. Proper care and rest with sufficient nutrients can delay the onset of heart failure in affected cats.
Warning signs of heart failure in dogs and cats
Proper monitoring of the health of affected dogs and cats is essential to prevent sudden death or worsening of the disease. One should monitor the activity level, exercise capacity and appetite levels of your pet. Disinterest in normal activities and a withdrawn and unwell appearance indicate that the disease is progressing.
To sum it up, heart disease in dogs and cats should not be neglected as they can result in sudden loss of your pet. Extra care and monitoring its activities can go a long way in prolonging your pet’s life span and giving it a healthy and normal life.
