The Tribune

In The Bahamas, heart disease is a major cause of death in animals as it is in people. In humans it is because of lifestyle challenges (smoking diet etc). In animals the cause is usually hereditary, heart worms, age related or degenerative. Middle age and older small dogs are most often affected. A number of conditions can adversely affect the function of the heart. Heart failure results when damaged heart muscle is no longer able to move blood throughout the body. Without treatment the dog will die. Disease prevalence and severely increase with age.

Signs of heart disease vary from type to type, but many times the affected dog suffers exercise intolerance (becomes exhausted quickly), may act weak or have a bluish tinge to the skin and tongue from the lack of oxygen. In most cases of chronic heart failure, the dog’s body retains fluid (edema). This is due to the body trying to compensate for reduced heart efficiency, the result is a retention of sodium and fluids, increased blood volume and constriction of blood vessels and increased blood pressure. Heart disease has a cascading effect on the whole body and can lead to damage of other internal organs, like the kidney, liver and lungs. When the left side of the heart fails, fluid collect in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and results in a cough, laboured breathing and panting. Obesity complicates heart disease and makes it more difficult to treat, but some dogs suffer weight loss and seem to waste away. Dogs sit with elbows spread and neck extended while straining to breath and may even try to sleep in this position to ease respiration.

When the right side of the heart fails, fluid collects and swells the abdomen. Ascites accumulate beneath the skin (edema - the legs may swell), and or fills the chest cavity (plural effusion). This fluid accumulation results in congestive heart failure. Usually dogs suffering from heart failure. Usually dogs suffering from heart failure will have a heart murmur. Many times, right heart failure develops as a result of the strain from an existing left heart failure.

Congenital heart disease may or may not be inherited and is quite rare. Patent ductus arterous is the most common and is seen in poodles and shepherds. Congenital Pulmonic Stenosis and Aortic Stenosis are also conditions that are seen. Acquired heart disease, unlike congenital forms, develops over time and commonly are due to other conditions like cancer, parasites (heartworm) or infectious disease (Periodontal disease). Acquired valvular heart disease is the most common cause of heart disease in the dog. Valvular disease is considered a disease of old age, with about one third of all dogs over the age of twelve affected. It is most common in smaller breeds. The heart valves simply begin to wear out and leak blood backwards instead of pumping it all forward. This puts extra strain on the heart. Dilated cardionyopully may also cause heart valve problems. This is a disease of the heart much rather than the valves. The heart loses the ability to adequately contract and pump blood out of the heart. The heart itself enlarges but becomes flaccid and the muscle walls become thin. This is usually a hereditary problem and is seen in Boxers, Cocker spaniels and Dobermans. Diagnosis of heart disease is made using x-rays, ultrasound and E.K.G that pick up irregular heart rhythm. Dogs with heart disease due to heartworm can be cured if diagnosed and treated early. Dogs with valvular heart disease can often be helped with drugs that improve the heart performance and reduce flow accumulation. A diuretic drug like LASIX forces the kidney to eliminate excess salt and water. Vasodilation drugs like enalapil help open the lungs and control congestion digoxin may help improve heart muscle performance in certain types of heart disease.