Dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as an enlarged heart in dogs, is a condition with many different causes and potentially serious consequences. Here, our Long Island veterinary cardiologist describes the causes, signs, and treatments of this critical condition.
What is a dog's enlarged heart?
Dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as an enlarged heart, have their ventricles or, less frequently, their atria (the upper chambers of the heart) enlarge.
When a dog's heart is unable to properly contract and push blood out of it and to the rest of the body, it will enlarge in this way.
As blood builds up inside the heart, its pressure pushes against the valves and organ's outer walls, causing the organ to grow and lose some of its outer walls.
This causes the dog's heart to enlarge, making it even harder for the pup to pump blood throughout its body and to the organs that require it.
The dog's organs, particularly the lungs and kidneys, frequently start to function less well as this condition worsens. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a very serious condition as a result of this progression.
Dilated cardiomyopathy symptoms:
As the condition worsens, dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Early on, it is frequently very challenging to diagnose. However, during a thorough physical examination, your veterinarian might be able to spot oblique or covert indications of this condition.
As a result, it is crucial to bring your pet in for regular checkups so that your Matthews veterinarian has the best chance of spotting early indications of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Some of the most prevalent signs of an enlarged heart include the ones listed below:
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- arduous breathing
- sputtering coughing
- abdominal squeezing
- abrupt collapse
- weak or irregular pulse
- cardiac murmur
- breathing sounds that are muffled or crackly
Diagnosing an enlarged heart in dogs:
The results of additional testing will be needed to determine whether the aforementioned symptoms are caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, even though a routine physical examination can indicate to your Matthew veterinarian that your dog's heart may be enlarged.
Electrocardiogram:
This examination keeps track of the electrical impulses that drive your dog's heartbeat. This test can identify heart conditions such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or an abnormally quick heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia).
Echocardiogram:
During this diagnostic procedure, ultrasound is used to continuously track the motions and structure of your dog's heart. With the aid of this test, your veterinarian will be able to examine your dog's heart for thin muscle walls and the effectiveness of its contractions. This is the conclusive test to determine whether or not your canine friend has an enlarged heart.
X-rays:
An abnormal heart size or the presence of fluid in the lungs could be seen on your dog's chest x-ray, among other heart and lung anomalies. These two symptoms both point to dilated cardiomyopathy strongly.
What causes enlarged heart in dogs?
Any dog, regardless of breed or age, may develop an enlarged heart, but dogs between the ages of four and ten are most frequently affected.
There are a number of known factors that can contribute to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in your pet, even though there is no known cause for it.
It has been established that nutritional deficiencies in carnitine and taurine contribute to the growth of an enlarged heart in dogs.
The emergence of this condition may also be influenced by additional elements like genetics and infectious diseases. It is known that certain dog breeds, particularly large breeds, are more likely to develop the condition.
- Irish wolves dogs
- the Newfoundland dog
- United States Cocker Spaniels
- Boxers
- Dalmatians
- Doberman Pinschers
- Springer Spaniels
- Retrievers from Labrador
- Taiwanese Terriers
- British Corgis
- Cocker Spaniels in England
- Shepherds of Germany
- Dane dogs
- St. Bernard dogs
Treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy:
The most important factor in determining how to treat an enlarged heart in your particular dog is its underlying cause. If nutritional problems, such as a taurine deficiency, were to blame, treatment can start with something as straightforward as dietary adjustments and supplements.
The most common course of treatment entails a combination of drugs and treatments aimed at enhancing the heart and blood circulation of your furry friend.
When a dog's breathing problems are caused by fluid in their lungs, they may need oxygen therapy until the fluid either drains from their lungs naturally, as a result of taking a prescribed diuretic, or as a result of your veterinarian manually draining them.
Long-term hospitalization is typically not necessary unless your dog suffers from this condition continuously and severely.
Your dog's enlarged heart, however, may be progressive and incurable depending on the underlying cause. In these situations, the goal of treatment is to prolong and maximize the comfort of your beloved pet's life.
Note:
The information in this post is meant to be informative only; it does not constitute veterinary advice for animals. Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a precise diagnosis of your pet's condition.
