Heart disease is well known in humans, but did you know that pets can have heart disease too? Up to 60% of aged dogs may have heart disease, while up to 15% of aged cats are likely to be affected. However, this number may be low due to the fact that heart disease in cats is usually a “silent disease,” meaning that it is not often known about until it is too late (ie sudden death, or the heart disease is too advanced for effective treatment).
There are 3 common heart problems that affect pets:
1) Mitral Valve Disease is the most common heart problem in dogs characterized by a leaky valve that allows blood to flow backward through the heart.
2) Dilated Cardiomyopathy is also common in dogs and means that the heart muscle becomes thin and weak, and therefore cannot effectively pump blood.
3) Hyperthrophic Cardiomyopathy is the most common heart problem in cats. The heart muscle thickens and cannot pump blood as well. Cats often show no symptoms until its too late, making it a “silent disease.”
(Cardiomyopathy is a term that means heart muscle disease)
These problems, as they progress, can lead to Congestive Heart Failure, where the heart just does not pump adequate amounts of blood. Blood backs up in the body and produces congestion, or fluid accumulation, often in the lungs or abdomen.
Symptoms of heart disease include:
- murmur - arrhythmia - exercise intolerance - difficulty breathing
- lethargy - coughing - collapsing or fainting - sudden death
The best way to begin diagnosing heart problems is with a thorough exam. The veterinarian will ask you about any potential symptoms at home, and will carefully auscult (listen to) the heart and lungs. It's common for pets to have a low grade heart murmur and be asymptomatic, or show no signs of problems. In this case, the vet will follow the murmur carefully.
Routine bloodwork will monitor cardiac function, and blood pressure should also be monitored. If the pet is showing signs of trouble, or the murmur is progressing, chest radiographs may be recommended to view the heart muscle. Also recommended may be an ECG or Echocardiogram. These may either be done in your veterinarian’s office, or you may be referred to a Cardiologist (this depends on your vet and the condition of your pet). Your vet may also order a blood test called the Cardiopet proBNP, which measures a cardiac biomarker and is the same as that used to help diagnose heart disease in people.
Treatment of heart disease is similar as in humans. Diuretics (water pills) are used to clear excess fluid from the body which is the result of poor circulation. Medications are used to relax blood vessels which help the heart muscle function more effectively. Also recommended is a diet low in sodium. Depending on your pet’s condition, your vet may recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet H/D, specially formulated for cardiac health. Hill’s Prescription Diet G/D (geriatric diet) may also be a good option.
When heart disease is detected early, it can usually be monitored and managed, allowing your pet to have a good quality of life. Early detection is key! Twice yearly exams, a proper diet to maintain proper weight, and routine bloodwork can all help in early detection. Be sure to follow your vet’s recommendations for your senior pet!