Cardiology

Common Cardiac Conditions In Pets

High blood pressure

Hypertension may be caused by underlying health problems like Cushing's Syndrome or kidney disease. Older pets are more prone to hypertension and obesity and inactivity can exacerbate these issues. In younger pets, kidney disease or infection may lead to hypertension.

Congestive heart failure

(CHF) occurs when it becomes progressively more difficult for your pet’s heart to pump blood through the body due to a leak in one of the valves or attrition of the heart muscles. Heart issues in dogs like  CHF may be genetic or triggered by long-term obesity or infections.

Abnormal heartbeat

Cardiac arrhythmias are irregular or “skipped” beats. While mood and activity may affect heartbeat, frequent ‘skips’ could be a sign of an underlying health concern that a veterinary cardiology consultant can help detect.

Heartworm  

A preventable heart infection  in dogs, heartworm is spread by mosquito bites. Heartworms are worm-like parasites that infect a pet’s lungs. Untreated, they can grow up to a foot long and cause serious heart and breathing conditions. Learn more about heartworm.

Congenital heart defects

Some pets may be born with a heart condition that is not detectable until later in life. Causes may include random genetic mutations, poor maternal nutrition, medications taken by the mother, or pre-birth poisoning.  A veterinary cardiology specialist can work with your primary care vet to diagnose and treat these defects.

Cardiac tumors

Depending on size and location, tumors on or around the heart can be very complex to treat Cardiac surgeons usually remove the mass, then an oncologist  consults with a veterinary cardiology specialists to determine ongoing treatment.  

Degenerative mitral valve disease

This condition causes a heart valve to lose strength, leaking blood into its cavities, reducing normal blood flow. This typically occurs as pets age and the muscles controlling the valve weaken.

Treatment options for common cardiac conditions include:

• Daily Medication

• Cardiac Surgery

• Pacemakers

• Adulticide Injections (to treat heartworms)

• Specialized Diet

• Pericardiocentesis (removal of fluid around the heart)

Causes of cardiac conditions in pets

One factor or a combination of factors can lead to cardiac issues.

Genetics

Some pets are born with heart defects–some may develop them later in life. These defects are unavoidable,  but maintaining a frequent schedule of wellness exams  can help treat conditions for optimal health.

Aging

As pets age, their muscles begin to weaken, including the heart. Its ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body will decline over time and may cause cardiac problems. 

Breed/Size

Small breed dogs tend to develop issues with their valves, while  larger and giant breeds experience higher risk of heart muscle weakness. 

Nutritional Deficiencies

Veterinary researchers have found that dogs fed on a grain-free, legume-rich diet are at much higher risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy due to a lack of taurine (a type of protein) in their diet. These fad diets pose a significant risk to your pet, so it is essential that you consult your veterinarian before implementing any type of alternative  diet.  

Parasites

Usually spread through the bites of mosquitoes or leeches, parasites can cause diseases like heartworm or chagas disease. These can be prevented by having your pet on a reliable, regular parasite prevention medication. 

Infections

If infections in other areas of the body are not tended to, the bacterial, viral, or fungal cells can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. This is seen most frequently with oral infections like chronic periodontal disease.

Injury

A powerful force to the chest can cause blood vessels to rupture, a lung to be punctured, or even disturb the rhythm of the heart.