What Is Canine Congestive Heart Failure
At its core, congestive heart failure in dogs means that their blood is not being pumped adequately throughout the body.
Like a human, a dogs body survives by the blood that gets pumped through its veins.
Every part of the body relies on that blood to keep it alive, well, and healthy.
When the blood does not reach those parts, different parts of the body suffer.
Additionally, even if that blood does not go to the proper places, it still goes somewhere, leading to medical issues.
Where it goes and the problems it causes depends on the type of CHF the dog has.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure is a chronic illness where the heart is unable to pump a sufficient amount of blood to the body. The heart receives blood from the body, sends it to the lungs to get oxygen and then pumps it out to the body again. If the heart cant pump properly, blood floods the lungs or heart. There are 2 types of CHF, depending on which side of the heart is affected.
Request A Hospice Evaluation
The primary physician may recommend hospice when the time is right. But as anyone who has faced a serious illness knows, patients and family members often must act as their own advocates to receive the care they need and deserve.
You, your loved one or your trusted physician may request an evaluation to see if hospice is an appropriate option for care.
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What Can Cause A Dog To Die Suddenly
A total of 16 cases of respiratory disease were reported, including 9 cases of acute onset choking/asphyxia due to aspirated food. There were also 11 cases of gastrointestinal accidents, including 9 cases of gastric dilation/volvulus and 2 cases of gastrointestinal foreign bodies with perforation, and 14 cases of trauma, including suspected motor vehicle trauma and.
How Do You Diagnose Congestive Heart Failure In Dogs
The diagnosis of canine congestive heart failure involves a variety of diagnostic tests that are performed under the supervision of a qualified vet. This allows you to get a proper treatment plan for your dog, while also learning which of the congestive heart failure in dogs stages is your pup going through at the given moment.
In order to diagnose your dog with CHF, your vet needs to hold a physical examination. This allows them to see evident signs that are associated with CHF. This includes the discovery of symptoms such as a heart murmur, noticeable abnormal breathing patterns, and irregular rhythm of the heart.
If your vet suspects CHF, they may move forward to the next step of diagnostic procedures. These approaches include the following tests:2
- Imaging Tests. With the use of X-ray and ultrasound, your vet can detect your dogs heart size and congestion, while also examining any fluid buildup in other organs such as the lungs.
- Echocardiography . This test monitors the heartbeat patterns and allows your vet to determine the occurrence of any irregularities.
- Lab Tests. These blood and urine tests determine other issues that could be causing challenges for your dog, such as heartworms.
- Heart Monitor. This device monitors your dogs heart rate over the course of 24-48 hours to determine any irregularities.
Once your vet has all the findings at hand, they are able to outline which of the following four stages are most related to your dogs CHF condition.2
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What Is The Difference Between Right
In patients with right-sided congestive heart failure , the heart receives insufficient venous blood return to the body. As a result, when the heart contracts or pumps, instead of the right ventricle sending the blood through the lungs for oxygenation, some blood leaks back into the right atrium through the tricuspid valve . This blood then backs up into the systemic circulation , which gets clogged as a result of the congestion.
- Ascites is a disorder in which the abdomen becomes swollen with fluid.
- When the heart contracts or pumps, instead of the left ventricle sending the blood into the systemic circulation, some blood leaks back into the left atrium and subsequently backs up into the lungs in left-sided congestive heart failure .
- Coughing and trouble breathing are the result of this.
- Coughing and fluid in the chest, which are hallmark indications of heart failure, are most usually caused by LS-CHF in most cases.
When To Seek Hospice Care
Even physicians have difficulty determining life expectancy for people with end-stage heart-failure. The condition can be unpredictable, and symptoms can change. However, certain signs can indicate that hospice care would be beneficial, including:
- frequent chest pain
- significant fatigue or shortness of breath
- substantial decline in ability to do daily activities, such as self-care
- The patient has already received the best possible treatment, which are no longer working well, and the patient is not a candidate for other interventions.
- The patient has received the best possible treatment and has decided to decline further specialized interventions.
People can be reluctant to start hospice, as they may worry it means theyre giving up or that it will hasten death. But such concerns are unfounded. In fact, patients and families often wish they had started hospice sooner, because it makes such a positive difference in their lives. And research shows that early admission to hospice results in greater satisfaction with care among patients and family caregivers.
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Natural Treatment For Congestive Heart Failure In Dogs
Conventional veterinary medical practitioners consider congestive heart failure and other circulatory problems to be progressive and irreversible, but there are natural, holistic treatment options available for pet owners that show promise in slowing, reversing and even preventing CHF in the first place. Cannabidiol, a primary constituent of Canine Support Formula, can reduce heart rate & blood pressure associated with stress and anxiety.
The goal of any treatment is to improve whatever underlying imbalances or deficiencies the dog may be experiencing, which may help to slow or stop the progression of disease.
Since all drugs used to treat symptoms of CHF have some adverse effects, another goal is to facilitate the safe reduction or even elimination of the dogs conventional prescriptions. Of course, treatment outcome depends on the type, severity, and duration of the dogs illness, but many veterinarians and dog owners have seen great improvements in their patients by taking a more natural, holistic approach to canine heart disease.
Youll Recognize Your Dogs Congestive Heart Failure Late Stages
Despite the fact that you have done an excellent job assisting your dog through her CHF, the very late phases will inevitably arrive. If your dog is still coughing and breathing severely at this stage, he or she should be sent to the vet. While standing or walking, her gums may develop a bluish-gray hue, and she may become dizzy and pass out. The fact that she has difficulty accomplishing anything, even sleeping, is likely to come to your attention. This is especially true for dogs that like to lie on their sides.
As of right now, there isnt much that can be done to alleviate or manage the symptoms of CHF.
Even though it is difficult, making a persons death as painless as possible is sometimes the finest present you can provide.
This material is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.
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Lifestyle And Diet Changes Are Also Key For Managing Chf In Dogs
Your vet will be able to tailor your dogs medicine to their needs, but meds are just part of the equation. Youll also want to ask your veterinarian about lifestyle changes that can help your pup live a full life while managing their congestive heart failure.
Vet visits. For starters, youll likely need to schedule more frequent check-ups. During these visits, your vet can track the progression of your pups CHF, and you can discuss any changes that may need to be made to their treatment plan.
Low stress. Its a good idea to reduce stress at home and try not to over-exert your pet. This could mean keeping them off the stairs, taking shorter walks, etc.
Diet. In the earliest stages, a diet that has lower levels of sodium in your dogs diet can help slow the progression of CHF and help eliminate excess stress on the heart. CHF isnt really preventable, but you can make sure youre not feeding your dog a grain-free diet, which has been linked to heart disease in dogs.
Supplements. In these early stages, specific supplements and antioxidants might help. While those supplements can generally be found over the counter without a prescription, make sure to consult with your vet before starting your dog on any supplement regimen. Although supplements and nutrition can help to some degree, ultimately your dog will need to be started on lifelong medications to help slow down the progression of CHF.
Diet And Exercise For Dogs With Chf
Dogs with congestive heart failure should be put on a low-salt diet.
Moderate exercise is beneficial to dogs with mild cases of heart failure.
However, if your dog is showing symptoms such as coughing, panting, and easy tiring after exercise, then it is not advisable to allow your dog to engage in such exercise or activities that bring about these symptoms.
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Cough: Caused By Heart Failure Or Respiratory Disease
Cough is a common complaint that does not necessarily indicate heart failure. Instead, it may be related to an enlarged heart compressing the airway or primary airway/lung disease.
In a dog with a good appetite and normal activity level, a chronic, harsh cough that ends with a gag is less likely to be associated with heart failure. Cough from mainstem bronchial compression can occur before onset of congestive heart failure and often persists after active pulmonary edema has been resolved with diuretic therapy .
It is useful to ask the following questions about a cough:
- How long has the cough or respiratory signs been present?
- Is the cough harsh ?
- How are the dogs appetite and activity level?
Congestive Heart Failure Can Be Treated
Treating congestive heart failure can be easier than you might think. Many dogs who are diagnosed with this condition experience good success with these treatment protocols on their side. Getting your dog to the veterinarian and getting a diagnosis is critical to treating congestive heart failure effectively. Your vet can help you to care for your pet and make their condition much more comfortable and their overall health much better.
If you think that your dog has congestive heart failure, your vet can confirm this diagnosis and help you build a treatment plan. Your dogs unique needs will guide this plan and you will often see a big improvement when you get your dog onto the right congestive heart failure treatment plan.
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What Are The Last Stages Of Congestive Heart Failure In Dogs
Stage 4: CHF is in its final stage. Breathing becomes difficult even when at rest. Fluid can accumulate in various parts of the body, causing swollen legs or belly, making it difficult to walk. It can even cause vomiting.
When should you euthanize a dog with congestive heart failure?
If the pet has a condition like congestive heart failure, or untreatable brain cancer a disease that will, unchecked, lead to a painful death the recommendation may be for euthanasia sooner instead of later.
Can dogs survive congestive heart failure?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CHF at this time, and treatment is aimed primarily at improving quality of life. That said, while the prognosis for dogs with congestive heart failure used to be poor, advances in medications used to treat the condition have vastly improved the overall prognosis.
Heart Medication For Dogs
- Diuretics, such as furosemide, are drugs that are used to eliminate excess fluid that has accumulated in the lungs or belly. An inodilator is a class of medications that both increase myocardial contractility and open up constricted blood vessels, thereby reducing the workload on your dogs already weakened heart. Pimobendan is the only ACE inhibitor now available on the market
- ACE inhibitors, also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, are a class of drugs that work by relaxing constricted blood arteries.
Bruiser is being treated with Pimobendan, Furosemide, and a medication known as Sprionolactone, which is yet another diuretic.
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Where To Get Support
If youre finding it hard to speak to friends and family, you could phone your GP or nurse for help. At this time, nurses may have been redeployed so it might take a little longer to get in touch with them. You could also try speaking to people in a similar position to you, through online channels like Health Unlocked. You could also visit a Death Café. This sounds scary, but they are a place for people to gather and normalise conversations about death. Death Cafés arent operating due to coronavirus, but many are holding virtual meetings online instead. If you would rather get support over the phone, Soul Midwives have set up a free telephone line, available for anyone facing the end of life or caring for someone who is.
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Get support and information from Compassion in Dying.
How To Treat Congestive Heart Failure In Dogs
Treating congestive heart failure depends on the type and severity of your dog’s underlying heart disease and whether the CHF is left- or right-sided. CHF treatment goals are to maximize the heart’s pumping ability and minimize fluid buildup.
Various medications are available to treat CHF in dogs, including:
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Diuretics: Diuretics are the mainstay of CHF treatment in dogs. They help flush excess fluid out of the system
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ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors make it easier for the heart to pump blood
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Positive inotropes: Positive inotropes promote heart muscle strength, improving pumping ability
Other treatment methods may be needed, including:
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Fluid removal: Severe fluid buildup may require periodic manual fluid removal from the lungs or abdomen
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Oxygen supplementation: Dogs with severe respiratory distress may need oxygen supplementation
A high-quality diet can improve your dog’s heart health, thus improving heart function and reducing CHF symptoms. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on dietary changes, such as omega fatty acid supplementation. Follow-up appointments are needed to re-evaluate the heart and assess fluid buildup. These appointments will include chest X-rays, blood work, and an echocardiogram.
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Being Careful About Treats
Many dogs with this condition shouldnt be fed human food or lots of dog treats. They often struggle to digest food properly and you will want to adhere to a set diet for their needs. You might also need to make sure that your dog is not eating too much and gaining weight which can further tax your dogs heart during normal daily activities.
End Stages Of Heart Failure In Dogs
The end stages of heart failure in dogs are the hardest for dog owners to endure. When the heart fails to pump as effectively as it should, a cascading chain of events takes place. While the body can try to compensate, and medications can help reduce strain on the heart, this will be effective only up to a certain extent. As the heart is forced to work more, a point will inevitably come where the heart is no longer able to pump correctly. Veterinary care at this point is still important. Your vet can suggest you a therapeutic plan and you should follow up to report the level of success of such intervention.
Clogged arteries leading to heart disease is mostly seen in humans.
When the Heart Fails
In dogs, congestive heart failure is mostly caused by two heart conditions, namely valve degeneration and dilated cardiomyopathy .
Congestive heart failure in dogs is a chronic condition that worsens over time. Although symptoms can be managed, there is no cure, and in time, affected dogs will unfortunately reach the final stages.
When dealing with heart failure, therefore vets aren’t really fixing anything, but just trying to relieve symptoms and delay the inevitable for as long as possible. Dogs with end stage heart failure are unfortunately on “borrowed time.”
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Symptoms Of Heart Failure In Dogs And Cats
When your pet is nearing the end of her life, you may find yourself wondering whether or not shes going into a state of heart failure. Although heart failure may not happen to every pet, it becomes more and more likely the older your pet becomes. Its important to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart failure in dogs and cats so you can tell when your pet may be experiencing it.
What Do Symptoms Of End Stage Congestive Heart Failure Look Like
Dyspnea
Dyspnea or shortness of breath can occur both during activity and rest. This is the symptom that often sends patients racing to the hospital late at night. Work with your hospice or palliative care team to manage symptoms at home and avoid these stressful hospital trips.
Chronic Cough
When the heart cannot keep up with the supply of blood moving between it and the lungs, fluid can build up in the lungs. This results in a chronic cough or wheezing that can produce white or pink mucus.
Edema
As the hearts ability to pump slows down, fluid can build up in the body. This creates swelling in the extremities particularly the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen.
Lack of Appetite
As the digestive system receives less blood, patients may feel full or nauseous. Not wanting to eat is a natural part of the body shutting down, but families often find this distressing. Learn more about why it is okay for your loved one to stop eating and drinking at end of life.
High Heart Rate
In response to a loss in pumping capacity, the heart begins to beat faster. The patient experiences this as a racing or throbbing heartbeat.
Confusion
When the heart stops working effectively, it can change sodium levels in the blood. This leads to memory loss, confusion, and a general feeling of disorientation.
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