31/05/2026
SENIOR PETS: HEART AND LUNG DISEASE
WHAT IS HEART DIASEASE?
Heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. This causes changes in the body as it tries to support a faltering system. These changes include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and fluid retention.
When the heart is unable to function correctly, there is a build up of fluid pressure within the circulatory system. This can cause leakage of fluid into the chest or abdomen and is responsible for many of the clinical signs seen with heart disease.
Heart disease in pets can have many origins. It can be caused by changes in the heart’s muscular walls, defect of the valves that separate the chambers of the heart, or narrowing of the vessels leaving the heart.
TYPES OF HEART DISEASE:
The two most common types of heart disease are:
Mitral Valve Disease: results from a degenerative thickening of the mitral valve between the upper left heart chamber and the lower left heart chamber. Blood flow becomes turbulent as blood leaks backwards through the faulty valve, resulting in the sound of a heart murmur. As the valve leaks, the heart has to work harder to supply blood to the rest of the body. over time the heart can become stretched and enlarged from having to handle the extra blood flow and congestive heart failure can develop. This is most often diagnosed in small-breed dogs that are middle aged to older. Common breeds affected are Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles and Chihuahuas
Dilated cardiomyopathy: is a disease in which the heart muscle degenerates and becomes thin and weak. As a result, the heart is unable to properly contract and pump blood, often leading to congestive heart failure. This disease is more commonly seen in large breed dogs such as Dobermans, Portuguese Water dogs, Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes.
CLINICAL SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Engorgement of veins
- Swollen abdomen
- Enlarged liver
- Weight loss
- Decreased exercise tolerance - tires easily
- Pale or blueish mucous membranes
- Cool extremities (toes, tips of ears etc.)
- Fluid swelling of lower limbs
DIAGNOSING HEART DISEASE
Depending on the murmur and the degree of clinical signs, further testing may be advised to determine the cause. The additional testing generally involves:
- X-rays - Chest x-rays show the size and shape of the heart, any blood vessel enlargment within the chest and any changes to the lungs
- an Electrocardiogram (ECG) - This device records the electrical impulses across the heart as nerves fire to stimulate the heart to beat. ECG’s are useful to determine any changes in the heart’s rhythm and can give an indication of changes of heart chamber size.
- Echocardiogram - Is an ultrasound of the heart and the technique is used to see the size of the heart chambers and the degree of contraction of the heart.
Other tests such as blood and urine tests can help determine changes caused by this
HOW IS HEART DISEASE TREATED?
The specific treatment will depend on the cause of the heart disease. Adult-onset heart disease is often treated with medications to support heart function and treat abnormal heart rhythms. It is essential that the instructions for your dog’s heart medication are followed closely.
Some commonly used medications for heart disease are Cardisure (Pimobendan), Vetmedin (Pimobendan) and Frusemide. It is important that the medication is not stopped suddenly as some can cause serious side effects.
Regular examinations will also need to be had so that the heart disease is being monitored for any changes as this can affect the amount of medication needed.
WHAT IS CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE?
Congestive heart failure refer's to the heart’s inability to pump adequate blood to the body.
The most common clinical sign of Congestive Heart Failure is persistent coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing. This is due mainly to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Many dogs with congestive heart failure will tire out more easily, have reduced stamina and do not engage in playing or walking as they used to.. Other signs can be coughing when resting or sleeping, increased resting respiratory rate or excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, pale or bluish gums.
Treatment depends on the underlying heart disease, along with the severity. There is usually no cure for Congestive heart failure but there are effective treatments to ensure a good quality of life.
WHAT IS CANINE CHRONIC BRONCHITIS?
Chronic bronchitis is a long term and irreversible condition that affects the lower airways in a dog’s lung and can lead to permanent lung damage.
Bronchitis causes the walls of the airways to become inflamed, swelling the walls and releasing mucus into the airways. This causes the airways to become narrowed and congested and air can no longer reach the alveoli effectively. As a result, coughing is triggered as a reflex to help clear the airways. This creates a vicious cough-irritation cycle.
Common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing or other abnormal lung sounds
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or retching
- Gagging
- Loss of consciousness
Chronic Bronchitis usually affects dogs 6 years and older, the underlying cause is unknown, there is no single cause for the condition.
If your dog is exhibiting excessive coughing or you suspect your dog may have bronchitis, a physical examination will need to be performed. Some other conditions that may have similar symptoms include:
- Canine Cough
- Respiratory infections
- Heartworm
- Heart disease
Treatment usually is a mix of different methods this includes medication and environmental modification.
