Symptoms of Dog Congestive Heart Failure
Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Dog Congestive Heart Failure - General Canine Observations
When you are worried about your pet dogs or puppies it is wise to make general observations and a note of your dog's general well-being before considering a health issue and problem such as Dog Congestive Heart Failure. Overall physical condition? Mental attitude? Appetite? Condition of bowels and urinary apparatus? The nose of healthy dogs or puppies is moist and cool but in sick dogs it is usually hot and dry. Hair loss? Dry skin? Discharges? These general observations are useful to consider whilst checking out the symptoms of Dog Congestive Heart Failure.
The heart of has four chambers. The upper left and right chambers are called the atria (atrium) and the lower left and right chambers are called the ventricles. Blood flows from the body's veins into the right atrium. The blood is stored there for a short time before being pumped into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps blood into the lungs, where it receives oxygen. Blood then flows from the lungs into the left atrium where it is stored briefly before moving into the left ventricle. The left ventricle contains the largest muscle of the heart and is responsible for supplying the body's arteries with oxygenated blood.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) commonly results from a condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy where the chambers of the heart increase in size and the muscles that form the walls of the heart stretch thinner. To remain healthy, the heart must provide blood to the tissues of the body, if it fails to do this task then fluid can develop in the lungs as well as other body cavities which can lead to congestive heart failure. Larger dogs are more prone to this condition (particularly heart muscle disease) but dogs of any size and age can develop heart failure.
There are many causes of heart failure in dogs, including:
- Congenital heart defects (Birth defects)
- Degeneration of the heart valves
- Cardiomyopathy (Heart muscle disease)
- Pericardium diseases (lining around the heart)
- Arrhythmia (Electrical rhythms of the heart are irregular)
Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Symptoms of Dog Congestive Heart Failure
Dog Congestive Heart Failure symptoms may include the following:
- Dog Congestive Heart Failure symptoms - Fatigue
- Dog Congestive Heart Failure symptoms - Weight Loss
- Dog Congestive Heart Failure symptoms - Coughing
- Dog Congestive Heart Failure symptoms - Breathing Problems
- Dog Congestive Heart Failure symptoms - Loss of Appetite
- Dog Congestive Heart Failure symptoms - Reluctance to exercise
- Dog Congestive Heart Failure symptoms - Shortness of breath
Treatment and Remedies - Canine Treatment of Dog Congestive Heart Failure
The remedies and treatment of Dog Congestive Heart Failure may include the treatment of dogs as follows. To diagnose congestive heart failure it is vital that you consult a veterinary surgeon as soon as symptoms appear, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent any further damage and ensure the dog has a good quality of life for as long as possible.
Diagnostic testing will usually begin with a full physical examination. Often a veterinary surgeon will detect a problem with the heart rhythm and blood flow while 'listening' to a dogs breathing with a stethoscope. Blood tests and urine tests will also be taken, these will not detect a heart problem but may help to rule out another condition which may be causing similar symptoms. An Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) test is also effective in confirming a diagnosis. This type of test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time and will display any abnormalities. A Chest X-ray and Ultrasound test can confirm diagnosis, the X-ray displaying an abnormally shaped heart. The lungs can appear dense on an X-ray due to a build up of fluid. An ultrasound will confirm how efficient the heart is pumping blood and will also help confirm a diagnosis.
There is no cure to repair heart damage but medication can help control the symptoms and help the heart to function more effectively. The treatment for canine congestive heart failure depends on the severity of each individual case and the medication prescribed will be different in each case. It is vital that you consult your veterinary surgeon to confirm diagnosis and begin a treatment plan as soon as possible.
Dog Symptoms and Canine Health - Canine Insurance / Pet Health Insurance for Dog Congestive Heart Failure
Pet Insurance for Dog Congestive Heart Failure. Remember canine insurance / pet dogs health insurance for treatment of health and medical problems such as Dog Congestive Heart Failure. Unexpected visits to the vet and veterinary treatments for your dogs and puppies due to illnesses such as Dog Congestive Heart Failure can quickly add up so get quotes for canine health / pet insurance coverage for treatment due to accidents, treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, surgeries and possible hospitalization treatment for your dogs or puppy. Get the best deals for pet insurance from pet insurance comparison websites - make sure you get the best rates for canine health insurance to cover visits to the Vet for the diagnosis and treatment of unexpected ailments such as Dog Congestive Heart Failure.
Disclaimer - Dog Congestive Heart Failure Section of Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health Website
The sole purpose of the Dog Congestive Heart Failure section on the Dog Symptoms and Canine Health website is to act as a reference guide to provide useful information to the owners of dogs and puppies. This article on Dog Congestive Heart Failure is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health, or problems associated with Dog Congestive Heart Failure, please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately for professional treatment. Your vet will diagnose whether Dog Congestive Heart Failure is the problem and prescribe appropriate medication and treatment.
Treatment and Symptoms of Dog Congestive Heart Failure
Dog Symptoms and Canine Health