Page 3 - Small Talk - Autumn 2013

Basic HTML Version

Prevalence
It is estimated that heart problems can affect up to
10% of dogs and cats in the UK. Heart diseases can
be classed as congenital (present at birth), or
acquired (where the disease develops in adulthood).
Around 5% of the heart cases seen in veterinary
practice are congenital, and 95% are acquired.
What is Heart Failure?
The main function of the heart is to pump blood
to the lungs to collect oxygen, then to deliver this
oxygenated blood to the body. Heart disease is
any condition of the heart or great blood vessels
which results in disruption of the normal heart
structure or function.
Heart failure occurs when the diseased heart begins
to lose its ability to pump enough blood to meet
the needs of the body. This can lead to a build-up
of fluid in the lungs, or in the abdomen, or may
sometimes be responsible for a ‘collapse’.
A heart attack, which is a common consequence
of heart disease in humans, should not be confused
with heart failure. Heart failure or congestive heart
failure is a much more common consequence of
heart disease in dogs and cats.
Signs/symptoms:
Heart disease in dogs and cats can cause a
range of symptoms such as breathing difficulty,
breathlessness, reduced energy levels, exercise
intolerance, cyanosis (where the gums become
blue in colour), collapse, hind limb weakness,
coughing, ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen),
or even sudden death. Symptoms such as these
should always be checked out by your vet.
Treatment of heart disease:
The treatment options for heart disease are very
much dependent on the diagnosis. Heart surgery is
available for some specific conditions, but the vast
majority of acquired heart diseases are managed
with life-long medication such as tablets, capsules
or liquids. This field of medicine is improving all the
time, leading to longer survival times and better
outcomes for patients with chronic heart disease.
by
Mark Overend
BVMS GP Cert (Cardio) MRCVS
Cain Veterinary Centre
Heart disease
in dogs and cats