Dogs
Enlarged heart is a common health issue in middle-aged male canines of larger breeds. In this condition, also known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the heart deteriorates to a point where it ceases to pump blood throughout the body. With time, this causes fluid accumulation in the lungs, and eventually results in congestive heart failure. Canines between four and ten years old, are usually diagnosed by DCM. Experts have also found that the condition could be breed specific, as it is commonly found in Boxer, Great Dane, Afghan Hound, Saint Bernard, and other large dog breeds.
Factors Behind Heart Enlargement in Canines
Medical experts are not sure what causes DCM. However, parvovirus, taurine deficiencies, and adriamycin are believed to be some major contributors in the development of the disease. Certain studies purport the fact that in some breeds, the problem might be genetic.
Main Symptoms
Coughing and heart failure could be the main symptoms.
Some dogs may also experience difficulty in breathing, and some may show signs such as collapsing or an enlarged abdomen.
These symptoms, however, surface at a later stage of the condition. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat the condition while it is in an early stage.
Methods which are involved in diagnosing the problem include X-rays, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.
Treating Options
Unfortunately, DCM cannot be reversed; in other words, it is incurable. The symptoms of congestive heart failure, however, can be managed with drugs, which would help prolong the life of your pet. The treatment also aids in improving the function of the animal's heart. According to what experts have come across, the survival rate or the life expectancy depends on how the body of the animal reacts to the drugs, and also on the type of the breed.
As there is no solid cure for the condition, preventing it is the best way out.
Routine dental check ups for your pet will ensure good dental health and prevent the onset of any heart diseases.
A proper diet helps in keeping your pet fit and active, and its more effective when combined with regular exercise.
Your dog's diet, apart from containing other essential nutrients, must be rich in L-Carnitine and Taurine. Taurine is known to help regulate heartbeats, helps in calcium absorption during times of reduced oxygen, and protects the heart from calcium overload. Carnitine helps in producing energy required by the animal, by using fatty acids.
Supplementing your dog's food with Omega 3 Fatty acids also aids in improving heart health, and developing shinier coat.
Most importantly, keep an eye on the various types of symptoms of heart diseases. Apart from the above symptoms, lethargy, swollen extremities, and decreased energy may also indicate potential heart diseases.
At times, there is nothing much that can be done in order to keep your pet from developing any kind of heart disease; in this case, heart enlargement. This is because the cause may have its source in the dog's genes or may be triggered by some unknown conditions. The best you can do is take all the required measures in order to minimize the risks of developing any illnesses, and help your pet lead a healthy life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a professional vet.
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Dogs
Enlarged Heart In Dogs
Enlarged heart is a common health issue in middle-aged male canines of larger breeds. In this condition, also known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the heart deteriorates to a point where it ceases to pump blood throughout the body. With time, this causes fluid accumulation in the lungs, and eventually results in congestive heart failure. Canines between four and ten years old, are usually diagnosed by DCM. Experts have also found that the condition could be breed specific, as it is commonly found in Boxer, Great Dane, Afghan Hound, Saint Bernard, and other large dog breeds.
Factors Behind Heart Enlargement in Canines
Medical experts are not sure what causes DCM. However, parvovirus, taurine deficiencies, and adriamycin are believed to be some major contributors in the development of the disease. Certain studies purport the fact that in some breeds, the problem might be genetic.
Main Symptoms
Coughing and heart failure could be the main symptoms.
Some dogs may also experience difficulty in breathing, and some may show signs such as collapsing or an enlarged abdomen.
These symptoms, however, surface at a later stage of the condition. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat the condition while it is in an early stage.
Methods which are involved in diagnosing the problem include X-rays, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.
Treating Options
Unfortunately, DCM cannot be reversed; in other words, it is incurable. The symptoms of congestive heart failure, however, can be managed with drugs, which would help prolong the life of your pet. The treatment also aids in improving the function of the animal's heart. According to what experts have come across, the survival rate or the life expectancy depends on how the body of the animal reacts to the drugs, and also on the type of the breed.
As there is no solid cure for the condition, preventing it is the best way out.
Routine dental check ups for your pet will ensure good dental health and prevent the onset of any heart diseases.
A proper diet helps in keeping your pet fit and active, and its more effective when combined with regular exercise.
Your dog's diet, apart from containing other essential nutrients, must be rich in L-Carnitine and Taurine. Taurine is known to help regulate heartbeats, helps in calcium absorption during times of reduced oxygen, and protects the heart from calcium overload. Carnitine helps in producing energy required by the animal, by using fatty acids.
Supplementing your dog's food with Omega 3 Fatty acids also aids in improving heart health, and developing shinier coat.
Most importantly, keep an eye on the various types of symptoms of heart diseases. Apart from the above symptoms, lethargy, swollen extremities, and decreased energy may also indicate potential heart diseases.
At times, there is nothing much that can be done in order to keep your pet from developing any kind of heart disease; in this case, heart enlargement. This is because the cause may have its source in the dog's genes or may be triggered by some unknown conditions. The best you can do is take all the required measures in order to minimize the risks of developing any illnesses, and help your pet lead a healthy life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a professional vet.
- Mitral Valve Disease And Dogs
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- Congestive Heart Failure In Dogs
Congestive heart failure in dogs is a slow process, in which the heart fails to provide the body with adequate blood circulation. The heart slowly becomes weak and slowly the other organs of the body also cease to work. Congestive heart failure in...
- Heart Murmur In Dogs
Heart murmur is a cardiac problem which occurs in dogs, as a result of turbulence in the blood flow. This disorder is mostly found in young dogs. The 'heart murmur' can be heard in the form of blood flowing in the heart and the blood vessels...
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When one thinks of heart arrhythmias, one often thinks about the human heart. Dogs, man's best friend, also suffers from similar health problems. Heart arrhythmia occur in dogs after a disturbance in the normal rhythm of the heart. The heart...
- Dog Heart Attack Symptoms
Many dogs suffer from various heart diseases. The causes are quite similar to those in humans. Old age, diabetes and obesity are the main triggers. In young dogs, heart failure can result from congenital abnormalities while in case of older dogs...