It’s estimated that ~one out of every ten pets examined by veterinarians has some form of cardiovascular or heart disease. Unlike diseases that damage other organs and systems of the body, heart disease largely does not go away. It almost always progresses. Additionally, cardiovascular conditions can be challenging to detect because the heart is encased and protected so well by the rib cage. Fortunately, patients and clients of Bloomfield Animal Hospital in Lakewood, California, benefit from the considerable, state-of-the-art in-house diagnostics to promptly detect this devastating and life-threatening disease. We are also proudly joined in our mission of providing exceptional veterinary care by our “on-call” heart disease specialist: Board-certified veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Fred Brewer. The five points below provide a solid introduction to heart diseases—what they are, how they manifest and are diagnosed, and what can be done to support your dog’s or cat’s longest, healthiest, and fullest life.
No. 1: Heart disease, defined
Heart disease spans any anomalies associated with the heart, a vital organ. These anomalies may be congenital (or present at birth) or acquired due to the likes of cardiac parasites (like heartworms) or infections. The most common of these anomalies that contribute to heart disease include issues with how the heart valves close and open; problems with the heart muscle pumping or relaxing; a heart that beats either too fast, too slow, or in an irregular manner (arrhythmias); and vascular disease when blood flow is impeded. Heart disease may also be characterized by abnormal blood flow between the body and lungs; too much or too little blood related to the blood vessels’ capacity to store that blood; and “parasitism” affecting the cardiovascular system and most commonly associated with heartworm infections.
No. 2: Symptoms
Cardiovascular disease manifests in different ways. For instance, conditions stemming from poor blood flow can present in your pet as exercise intolerance, where they seem to get very tired or taxed after minimal activity. Other symptoms include weakness, fainting, and coughing. Diseases associated with blood damming up in the organs can cause abnormal swelling, jaundice or yellowing of the eyes, and bloody mucous. Without treatment, your dog or cat can go into congestive heart failure, and the blood oxygen levels may drop so low that you notice a bluish tinge to the skin and membranes, as well as often considerable wasting and weight loss.
No. 3: Risk factors
For congenital heart-related issues, pups or kittens may be born with them due to genetic defects, environmental stressors, infections, and maternal nutrition and medications. In fact, certain breeds are at a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease, especially with advancing age. They include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Wirehaired Fox Terriers. For acquired heart issues, risk factors in pets are generally similar to risk factors for humans, including a sedentary lifestyle and high-sodium, high-fat diets. These factors contribute to excess pounds. Parasitic infections also play a role in our pets’ development of these devastating conditions. So, it is generally advised to maintain healthy habits, like ensuring that all preventive medications are consistently administered and that your pet gets lots of exercise and an appropriate diet of foods that are specially formulated for them – no “table scraps” and minimal “treats,” please!
No. 4: Early and accurate detection
Most cardiovascular diseases are highly suspected via a thorough nose-to-tail exam and digital X-rays. However, at Bloomfield Animal Hospital, we go above and beyond with the likes of veterinary ultrasound technology that painlessly screens for heart anomalies. As needed, Dr. Brewer may order more specialized tests. Heartworm can also be detected with a blood test. Our extended family of patients and clients also benefits from the expert analyses of our on-call, Board-certified radiologist, Dr. Ann Reed.
No. 5: Tailored treatment
There are many potential treatment options for cardiovascular diseases. However, the most appropriate next steps for your pet depend on the type of disease that is present/diagnosis. Sometimes, defects may be repaired surgically. Or, conditions can be managed with one or more medication(s). Still, at other times, a low-sodium diet is largely recommended to draw excess fluid from the body among those pets with congestive heart failure. For heartworm infections, we need to kill the mature parasites and their larvae. The ultimate goal is to minimize damage to the heart muscle, fluid in the lungs, and the risk of blood clots, as well as to improve circulation and regulate heart rate and rhythm. With appropriate and expert care, your pet’s symptoms can be resolved, and their breathing and heart rate may be normalized at rest to support a continued good quality of life.
To find out more, contact our Lakewood, CA hospital at (562) 383-7788 today.
