Dogs of all ages may be affected by heart disease. Most heart disease (~95%!) is caused by normal wear and tear, infection and infestation. We can’t stop age from taking its toll, but we can keep our dogs’ hearts safe from infection and the trauma of infestation. This is great news for those of us who share our own hearts and homes with dogs!

Older dogs are affected by a variety of diseases:
Chronic valve dysfunction, found when the valves of the heart weaken and begin to leak.
Myocardial disease, resulting from weakened and thickened or thinned heart muscle.
Arrhythmias, resulting from electrical conduction problems which disturb the rhythm of the heart.
Pericardial disease, caused by fluid buildup in the outer lining of the heart.

Bacterial infections can damage the heart valves causing heart murmurs and blood flow disturbances. Chronic dental disease, skin disease, and urinary tract infections may be implicated in coronary heart disease (http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.heart.htm). Your Veterinarian will check these areas during your pets’ annual exam, to help keep your pet safe from preventable causes of heart disease.

Heartworms are present in our region, we treat an average of two dogs with heartworm disease each year. Some of our heartworm patients have traveled from other areas bringing the parasite with them, while others are infected locally by mosquitoes from their own back yards. Heartworm infestation damages and weakens heart valves, and can cause myocardial disease and pulmonary hypertension. Heartworm prevention is simple and inexpensive; following a quick heartworm test your dogs and cats will be given a medicated treat monthly, year round, which will prevent heartworm infestation while also removing intestinal parasites.

It’s time to see your Veterinarian when your pet shows any of the following signs:

Coughing or shortness of breath with exercise
Coughing at night, or after napping
Rapid weight loss
Fatigue, weakness, or fainting
Swollen abdomen

Your Vet will likely run basic blood work, take chest radiographs, check your pets’ blood pressure, and perform an ultrasound study of the heart (echocardiography) to assess the cause and degree of your pets’ heart dysfunction. These simple tests will allow your Vet to select appropriate medications, foods, and exercise regimens which may dramatically improve the quality and length of your dog or cat’s life. Healthy diet choices, regular exercise, and excellent Veterinary support are the keys to heart health for your pets!