Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is most commonly thought of as a human condition, but is something which can also affect your dog or cat. In most instances, it is older animals that are affected, but symptoms have been seen developing in cats and dogs of virtually any age.
Exactly what causes an animal to suffer from heart disease can vary greatly. In some animals, it is purely a genetic predisposition caused by certain characteristics prevalent in their breed. This is known as congenital heart disease. However, there can also be physical triggers that cause heart disease to develop. When this happens, it is known as acquired heart disease.
Types of heart disease in dogs and cats
Contrary to popular belief, heart disease isn’t a single problem. Instead, it refers to various different types of disease, all of which can affect the function of your pet’s heart. These different kinds of disease are as follows:
- Arrhythmias – characterized by an irregular heartbeat.
- Congenital disease – animals that are born with a malformed heart, which can lead to progressive enlargement of the organ.
- Heartworm disease – a parasitic infection that damages the arteries, lungs and heart.
- Myocardial disease – this occurs when the heart muscle becomes thick or weak and is unable to function properly.
- Pericardial disease – when the protective sac around your pet’s heart fills with fluid.
- Valvular disease – this occurs when abnormal heart valves cause the heart to enlarge.
Our veterinarian will be able to diagnose exactly which disease is putting unusual amounts of strain on your pet’s heart. This will enable them to decide on the best course of treatment to stop progression of the condition and manage it so that your dog lives as comfortably as they can for as long as possible. Studies show that with the correct management, an animal with cardiovascular disease could live as much as 75% longer than those creatures who are left untreated.
What are the symptoms of heart disease in dogs and cats?
Unfortunately, animals instinctively try to hide any signs of their vulnerability and this can make it tricky to determine whether or not our pet is unwell.
In many instances, it is only when our pets are simply unable to mask their symptoms any longer that we finally realize that there is something wrong, and by this point, the underlying cause has progressed significantly.
Nevertheless, there are some symptoms of heart disease that you watch out for. If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, particularly those with an *asterix marked next to them, you should seek the advice of your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Abdominal swelling / distended stomach *
- Change in body weight
- Change in heart rate
- Difficulty breathing *
- Fainting / collapse *
- Heart murmur
- Hiding
- Less willing to participate in exercise activities
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent cough *
- Restlessness
If you have any reason to suspect that your cat or dog might be suffering from heart problems, we strongly recommend that you make an appointment with our veterinary team as soon as possible.
The earlier that heart disease is detected, the less damage will be done to your pet’s heart and the fewer effects it will have on her ability to live a long, happy and active life.
If you have any more questions about heart disease in cats and dogs, please call Madison Animal Care Hospital today at 256-461-7575.
