Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition characterized by the heart’s inability to pump enough blood. This can cause blood to pool in the lungs and fluid to build up in the chest, abdomen, or both. This condition puts more strain on the heart and lungs and restricts oxygen flow throughout the body.
You may not know it, but dogs can also have heart problems. Just like humans, dogs can develop heart disease (cardiomyopathy).
Recent statistics reveal that approximately 7.8 million dogs in the United States are affected by heart disease, accounting for nearly 10% of the entire dog population. This rate increases as dogs age. It is estimated that more than 75% of dogs will suffer from some form of heart disease during their golden years. Despite this large number, many people are unaware that their beloved dogs may also be at risk for heart disease.
Causes of Heart Disease in Dogs :
There are two main categories of heart disease in dogs: acquired heart disease and the other (although less common) congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease is diagnosed in puppies at a young age, and it accounts for only 5% of all heart conditions in dogs.
Ninety-five percent of heart disease in dogs is an acquired condition caused by infection, injury or simply normal wear and tear on the heart. The majority of cases of heart disease in dogs are of the acquired type.
Right-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the heart does not contract properly. Blood is not pumped to the lungs, and instead of being oxygenated, blood from the right ventricle flows back into the right atrium. This causes blood to pool in the central circulatory system and fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, which interferes with the proper functioning of organs. The excess fluid can also accumulate in other organs and cause swelling.
The most common form of heart failure in dogs is left-sided congestive heart failure. It occurs when blood from the left ventricle flows back into the left atrium through the mitral valve when the heart contracts and cannot pump blood into the body’s systemic circulation. This results in excess pressure on the left side of the heart, and fluid builds up in the lung tissue, which causes coughing and shortness of breath.
Effects of Heart Failure on a Dog’s Hind Legs :
Heart failure can cause a dog’s hind legs to become weak or paralyzed, as the heart does not pump blood from the body to the brain. Other signs of heart failure in dogs include:
- Abdominal swelling: Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, a condition referred to as ascites.
- Lethargy: The dog may be unusually tired or lethargic.
- Shortness of breath: The dog may have difficulty breathing or coughing.
- Weight gain: The dog may gain weight.
- Difficulty walking: The dog may have trouble walking or standing.
Other causes of hind limb weakness in dogs include abnormal heart rhythms, blockages in blood flow, decreased heart pumping, and pericardial disease.
If your dog’s hind legs are weak or shaky, losing weight may help them recover. Excess weight can put pressure on a dog’s joints, especially when it causes problems with their mobility.
A variety of medications are used to treat congestive heart failure in dogs, including :
- Diuretics to remove excess fluid from the lungs and body.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help improve symptoms.
- Vasodilators relax the body’s blood vessels.
A positive isotope may also be prescribed to strengthen the force of the heart’s contractions and improve blood flow. Regular veterinarian checkups and monitoring of your dog are very important.
What are the various stages of congestive heart failure in dogs?
There are four stages of progression of this condition:
Stage 1: The condition is present, but the dog may not show any noticeable symptoms until the heart starts to fail.
Stage 2: Symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and lethargy gradually appear, especially when the dog is playing or exercising.
Stage 3: Symptoms become more pronounced at this stage. Coughing, shortness of breath, and other breathing problems may occur even after a short walk.
Stage 4: In the final stage, the dog experiences shortness of breath even at rest. Fluid may accumulate in various body parts, causing leg or abdomen swelling. This can lead to difficulty walking and might also result in vomiting.
Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs
The treatment plan for congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs varies based on the condition’s severity and root cause. While CHF is not entirely curable, proper treatment can significantly enhance a dog’s quality of life. Surgical intervention can dramatically improve congenital conditions like patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The primary goal of treatment is to reduce fluid buildup in the body and lungs while strengthening the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Key Treatments and Recommendations
Medications:
- ACE Inhibitors
- Drugs like enalapril, benazepril, and captopril help lower blood pressure, reduce strain on the heart, and slow down heart muscle deterioration.
- Diuretics
- Encourage the kidneys to eliminate excess fluid from the lungs and abdomen, relieving symptoms like swelling and breathing difficulty.
- Vasodilators and Positive Isotopes
- Vasodilators: Relax blood vessels to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow.
- Isotropic Medications: Strengthen heart muscle contractions, improving the efficiency of blood circulation.
Nutrition and Supplements:
- Low-Sodium Diet
- Reduces fluid retention and minimizes strain on the heart.
- Antioxidant Supplements
- To support heart health, including coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, Maurine, carnitine, and B vitamins.
- Weight Management
- A balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight is crucial for reducing stress on the heart.
Important Note:
Always consult a veterinarian before introducing any new medication, supplement, or dietary change for your dog. Proper veterinary guidance is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment for CHF.
