Heart Disease Help

If your dog has a chronic cough, that could be one of the 1st indicators of heart disease.

Five common signs of heart disease in dogs 

1. Cough – Dogs with heart disease have coughs that don’t resolve within a few days. Dogs with heart disease cough for many reasons. Fluid can begin to accumulate in the lungs because the heart isn’t pumping efficiently. This leads to a “back-up” of blood in the lungs, which can result in fluid leaking out of blood vessels and accumulating in lung tissue, resulting in cough. Some heart diseases lead to heart enlargement. The enlarged heart can press on airways and stimulate coughing. Any persistent cough that lasts more than a few days should be checked by a veterinarian.

2. Fainting or collapse – When heart function decreases, vital organs such as the brain can become deprived of nutrients, especially oxygen. Blood flow to the brain can be compromised in dogs with heart disease, leading to fainting (syncope) or collapse. Syncope and collapse in dogs with heart disease is usually triggered by exercise, although sometimes coughing can trigger an episode.

3. Difficulty breathing – Dogs with heart disease often will have difficulty breathing (dyspnea). A dog may breathe more rapidly, or with more force. Some dogs will sit or stand with their legs wide apart and with their neck stretched out. Dogs with severe heart disease have more trouble breathing when lying down, and will often sit or stand for long periods of time.

4. Fatigue, inability to exercise – Dogs with heart disease will tire out more quickly on walks and during exercise. They may sleep or rest more than usual.

5. Behavior change – Many behavior changes can be seen in dogs with heart disease, including poor appetite, isolation, and a reluctance to play or engage in previously pleasurable activities.

Signs of heart disease can mimic those seen with diseases such as arthritis, seizures and chronic lung disease. Your veterinarian can narrow down the diagnostic possibilities with a good history and diagnostic tests. Tests helpful in heart disease diagnosis include:

Chest X-ray – X-rays remain a good way to assess heart size, and remain one of the best ways to assess fluid build-up in and around the lungs.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – An ECG is the best way to detect an arrhythmia. Sometimes a veterinarian will have a dog wear a Holter monitor to look for irregular heartbeats over several days while a dog is at home

Echocardiogram – An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. This non-invasive test has revolutionized the diagnosis of heart diseases in both people and dogs. An echocardiogram performed by a skilled veterinarian can provide important information not only about disease, but also provide measurements to assess therapy.

Your veterinarian can help select which therapies are best for your four-legged friend.

Some alternative options to consider

DANDELION. In heart disease, fluid will accumulate in the lungs and abdomen. Dandelion is a very safe diuretic herb. Dose is 1ml of the tincture per 20lbs daily or as needed. The other important benefit of dandelion is that it is rich in potassium, which gets lost in the urine with diuretics. By comparison the conventional diuretic furosemide (lasix), causes potassium loss, and pets then may need to be supplemented with potassium.

HAWTHORN. Has been shown to increase the ability of the heart to contract, as well as causing the outside blood vessels to dilate, making heart contraction easier. The dose is 1/2 ml per 20lbs twice daily.

COENZYME Q. This supplement has been effective in people as an antioxidant and in decreasing damage to the heart muscle. The dose is 5 mg per ten pounds of body weight.

THOSE FATTY ACIDS. The omega-3 fatty acids are effective in strengthening a failing heart. They make it easier for the heart to beat and decrease the severity of arrhythmias. They lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of blood clots. A good canine source is found in krill oil, at 500mg per 25lbs daily.

TAURINE. A study published this year in the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology found that 36 dogs diagnosed with DCM and had normal taurine levels improved when they were switched from a grain-free food to a traditional diet. Most of the dogs also received taurine supplements, which the researchers suspect may have sped up the healing process. Taurine dose 500mg for dogs up to 50lbs body weight daily.

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew

P.S. Taurine is the amino acid most implicated in DCM linked to Diet in Dogs… it is in my Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus: http://www.thedogsupplement.com/advanced