Bella’s cough couldn’t be serious; it’s only occasional. And that pot bellied appearance is only weight gain. Or is it? These could be signs of congestive heart failure in your dog. Although CHF is more prevalent in older dogs and in certain large breeds like the Doberman Pinscher and Great Dane, it can occur in any age or breed or mix of dog. Heart failure can come on gradually for many months or years with subtle or no symptoms or it can appear suddenly.
What is Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs?
The heart’s job is to continually supply blood to body tissues. When a diseased or weakened heart becomes unable to pump normal amounts of blood throughout the circulatory system, blood backs up in the tissues. The increased pressure in the veins causes fluid to leak out and often accumulate in the lung or body cavities causing the coughing and pot bellied appearance. Because of the impaired blood flow, CHF can affect other organs, such as the liver, as well.
Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
Some of the more common causes of canine congestive heart failure include:
- Heartworms
- Degenerative valvular disease
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Genetic defects of the heart
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Enlarged abdomen
- Respiratory difficulty
- Fainting
These symptoms are not exclusive to congestive heart failure and can indicate other illnesses as well, so examination by a veterinarian is important. After a general exam, the vet can have a good idea of the diagnosis but may want to take x-rays, ultrasound, blood work, or other tests to confirm and to determine underlying causes that can guide treatment.
Managing CHF in Dogs
Congestive heart failure is a progressive disease but it can be managed with drugs that aid in heart function, diuretics that control fluid retention, dietary guidelines and supplements from your vet, keeping the dog out of hot temperatures, and by regular veterinary monitoring.
Follow up exams are important. If not closely monitored for subtle changes, some cases can quickly get out of control, which can lead to a lower quality or shorter life for your pet and more costly veterinary bills for you.
According to a MedicalNewsToday article, a study called Quality of Life and Extension of Survival Time (QUEST) published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine demonstrated that dogs suffering from the most common type of heart failure live an average of 91% longer when treated with a fairly new drug, Vetmedin (pimobendan), than with another common treatment option. However, each case is different and your veterinarian will determine the best treatment plan for your individual dog.
Congestive Heart Failure in dogs is a serious and likely lifelong disease but it can be managed with the proper treatment plan. More information on canine CHF can be found at PetPlace.com and PetEducation.com.
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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