Changes in the size of the chest and abdomen may also be present if there is fluid buildup around the heart or lungs.Īuscultation (listening) of the chest with a stethoscope can help reveal abnormal sounds that may indicate murmurs associated with valvular disease or congestive heart failure. Symptoms consistent with an enlarged heart can include difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing, exercise intolerance, fainting spells, weakness, lethargy (tiredness), and collapse after exercise. The best way to determine whether or not your dog has an enlarged heart is by taking a complete history of their health and reviewing current blood work. How Do You Determine if There Is a Problem?
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But within those months, your vet can best advise you on how to make your dog's life as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, in most cases, by the time the condition is spotted and diagnosed, it is too late - life expectancy is usually determined to be under six months. Enalapril for dogs and Pimobendan for dogs can be used in case your dog does experience heart failure. They will also schedule regular checkups to track any progress, which can be determined with radiographs, blood pressure measurements, EKGs, and biochemical tests. However, your vet may spot the condition during a thorough physical exam.ĭepending on how severe the condition is, your vet can prescribe medication to help the heart contract more effectively. The severity of the condition is determined with an ultrasound, which will show how much muscle function is left. Heart FailureĬongestive heart failure occurs when the heart’s muscles enlarge to a point at which they can no longer meet the circulatory demands of the body, often resulting in death.Įnlarged hearts, if they do develop, normally develop in dogs between 4 to 10 years of age and can be found via a radiograph of the chest. Medicines like Theophylline for dogs, Cefpodoxime Proxetil, and Cephalexin for dogs can help with lung infections. In addition to causing a lingering cough, heavy breathing, fatigue, fainting, and even a bluing of the lips or tongue, fluid buildup in the lungs can also result in death. This buildup then fills space in the lungs needed to bring oxygen into the bloodstream. Fluid in the Lungsįluid in the lungs will typically occur when the muscles in the left side of the heart enlarge so much that they fail, causing fluid to pool in the lungs. Ask your vet about Cerenia for dogs in case of excessive vomiting. You might also notice your dog eating less or occasionally vomiting, both of which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. This buildup then puts pressure on the diaphragm, causing trouble breathing.
Distended AbdomenĪ distended abdomen will typically occur when the muscles on the right side of the heart enlarge so much that they fail, and fluid begins to build up in the abdomen.
These impulses can be thrown off as the muscles enlarge. Arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses of the heart don't work properly, causing an irregular heartbeat. Heart Murmur / Arrhythmiasĭue to the enlarged muscles, the heart’s valves cannot close completely, causing blood to flow backward, thus creating a murmur. When these muscles enlarge, several dangers can follow, such as: 1. Heartworm prevention is easy with the help of an appropriate heartworm medicine like Interceptor. Valvular defects, heartbeat abnormalities, tumors, and heartworms can all be behind the initial weakening of the muscles. For instance, the Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, Scottish Deerhound, Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Afghan Hound, and Cocker Spaniel all have a greater risk of developing an enlarged heart, also known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), as compared to other breeds.Īn enlarged heart in dogs develops when the heart’s muscles weaken, causing pressure in the heart’s blood vessels to increase and, in turn, stretching the muscles. Heart health can be a big concern for dog owners, especially those who are raising certain breeds.
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