Heart disease in dogs and cats is caused by abnormalities in the structure and function of the heart. The disease will develop over time, but ultimately results in a severe condition affecting the heart's function called heart failure. It can be found from birth (congenital heart disease) in dogs under 1 year of age, and heart disease in dogs and cats that occurs later (acquired heart disease). The disease develops in dogs from the age of 6 years and up, is the most common type, and is usually found in older dogs.
Heart disease is divided into two main types:
1. Chronic heart valve disease results in a decrease in the efficiency of the heart's contraction to pump blood to various parts of the body. This is a common heart disorder in small breed dogs.
2. Cardiomyopathy: This abnormality occurs when the heart muscle thickens or the walls of the heart chambers become thin and weak, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of the heart's contractions. It is commonly found in cats and large breed dogs.
symptom
1. Frequent coughing, dry cough, usually at night or early in the morning.
2. Depressed, weak, easily tired, less able to exercise.
3. Shortness of breath
4. Eat less, lose weight.
5. Weight gain from abdominal swelling and enlargement
6. Fainting, losing consciousness
Treatment guidelines
1. Take a history, perform a physical examination, and listen to the heart and lungs.
2. General blood test, liver and kidney function test, heartworm test
3. Chest X-ray to assess the size of the heart and lungs to determine if they are normal.
4. Take an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for any abnormalities in the heart rhythm.
5. Heart ultrasound (Echocardiography) to view the structure of the heart, such as the heart valves, heart muscle, and heart contractions.
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