Understanding Heart Disease in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

Heart disease is more common in dogs than you might think! In fact, up to 10% of the dogs we see in routine consultations have some form of heart disease. As pet parents, it’s important to know what signs to look out for and how we can help keep your dog’s heart in tip-top shape.

The two most common forms of heart disease in dogs are myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Let’s dive into what these conditions mean for your furry friend.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD): The Most Common Culprit

MMVD is the most common form of heart disease in dogs, making up around 75% of cases. It primarily affects small to medium-sized dogs, especially as they get older. Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Chihuahuas are particularly prone to developing this condition.

In MMVD, the mitral valve in the heart becomes thickened and distorted. This makes it harder for the valve to seal properly, leading to a leakage of blood from the heart’s left ventricle back into the atrium during a heartbeat—much like a leaky pump. This “leak” often progresses slowly over time and can eventually lead to congestive heart failure if left untreated.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A Concern for Large Breeds

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is another common form of heart disease, but it mostly affects large breed dogs. Breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Irish Wolfhounds are particularly at risk. In dogs with DCM, the heart’s ventricles become dilated and lose their ability to contract effectively. This means the heart can’t pump blood as efficiently, leading to symptoms like lethargy, coughing, and even fainting in severe cases.

Age and Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease becomes more common as dogs age. Here’s a quick look at how the numbers stack up:

  • 10% of dogs aged 5 to 8 years have some form of heart disease.
  • This increases to 20-25% for dogs aged 10 to 12 years.
  • In dogs older than 13, 30-55% will develop heart disease.

On-the-Spot Diagnostics

We pride ourselves on being able to diagnose most issues in-house, meaning faster answers and quicker treatment. With digital X-rays and ultrasound at our fingertips, we can get clear images of what’s going on inside your pet without any delays. Whether it’s a soft tissue problem or something more complex, we’ve got it covered.

Surgery: From Routine to Complex

Our surgical theatre is fully equipped for everything from routine procedures like desexing to more complicated soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. Your pet is in expert hands, and we do our best to make sure every procedure is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Good News: Heart Disease is Treatable!

The most important thing to know about heart disease in dogs is that it is treatable. With early diagnosis, there are medications that can:

  • Reduce the size of the heart.
  • Delay the onset of clinical signs of heart failure.
  • Increase your dog’s lifespan and quality of life.

What is a Heart Murmur?

The first clue your vet might notice is a heart murmur. This is a swishing sound we hear when listening to your dog’s heart with a stethoscope, and it indicates turbulent blood flow. If the murmur is loud enough, we may recommend further testing like a chest X-ray or an ultrasound. These are safe and non-invasive procedures that help us assess the size of the heart and check for other potential issues.

With these diagnostic tools, we can determine the best course of treatment to keep your dog’s heart healthy.

Routine Heart Health Checks

At Chatswood Veterinary Clinic, we always check your pet’s heart during routine visits. With early detection, we can stay ahead of heart disease and ensure your pet gets the best care possible. So next time you’re in, feel free to ask us about your dog’s heart health!

Your pet’s heart is in safe hands with us.