Detecting Cardiac Disease in Our Furry Friends
Authored by Kat Hull
Unveiling the Heart of the Matter: Detecting Cardiac Disease in Our Furry Friends
As devoted caretakers of our beloved pets, understanding and monitoring their health is paramount.
In this article we would like to raise awareness about an often-silent threat that can affect both dogs and cats – cardiac disease. Recognising the subtle signs early on can make all the difference in providing timely care and ensuring a heart-healthy life for your furry companions.
Understanding Cardiac Disease in Dogs and Cats:
Cardiac diseases in pets involve a range of conditions. In dogs, mitral valve disease (MVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are amongst the most common concerns, while cats often suffer with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). These conditions may progress silently for many years before symptoms start to show. Catching these diseases early in their ‘pre-clinical’ stages can allow earlier management which can have a hugely beneficial effect for their long-term outcome.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
As previously discussed, heart disease in the earlier stages may not present with any obvious symptoms. But when symptoms do start to arise these are the things to look out for….
Difficulty Breathing: Laboured breathing, Faster breathing, or shortness of breath, especially at rest, could signal problems with the heart.
At home check: the best way to monitor their breathing is by counting their ‘sleeping/resting respiratory rate’. This is where you count how many breaths per minute your pet is taking whilst they are resting/asleep (and not purring or panting!). If this is over 30 breaths per minute this may indicate an issue and we would recommend you bring your pet in for further examination.
Coughing: Persistent coughing may be a concern as it may indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a common consequence of cardiac disease. However, there are also many non-cardiac causes of a cough so don’t panic, but if your pet is having a persistent cough we would recommend further evaluation to determine the cause.
Reduced Stamina: If your pet seems less enthusiastic about physical activities or tires easily, it could be a sign of an underlying heart issue. This can often be mistakenly attributed to a normal aging change.
Weakness and Fatigue: A lethargic demeanour or unexplained weakness may be indicative of reduced cardiac function.
Fainting or Collapsing: In severe cases, pets with advanced cardiac disease or arrythmias may experience fainting episodes or sudden collapses.
Risk Factors:
Age: The risk of cardiac disease increases with age. Regular veterinary check-ups become crucial as your pet enters their senior years.
Breed Predisposition: Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to specific cardiac conditions. Be aware if your pet belongs to a breed prone to heart issues. Dog breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dobermans, and Boxers are more prone to specific cardiac conditions. Cat breeds such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls are also over-represented. However, be aware that cardiac disease can affect any breed/cross breed of dog or cat.
Obesity: Maintaining a healthy weight is vital. Obesity can strain the heart and contribute to the development or progression of cardiac disease.
Pre-existing Conditions: Pets with other health issues, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, may face an elevated risk of cardiac problems.
How to Be Proactive in Safeguarding Your Pet's Heart Health:
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Routine check-ups allow us to assess your pet's overall health, including heart function. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing cardiac disease. Early indicators of heart disease such as heart murmurs or arrythmias can be picked up on routine examination and usually wouldn’t be noticeable at home.
Healthy Lifestyle: Provide a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management to promote overall health. It is particularly important for our pets to have a well-balanced diet as low levels of certain amino acids such as taurine can lead to heart disease.
Be Attuned to Changes: Pay attention to your pet's breathing rate and effort, appetite, and activity levels. If you notice any deviations from the norm we would recommend a check-up.
Diagnostic Testing: If your pet is at risk or showing symptoms, or has a murmur or arrythmia picked up on examination. We will likely recommend diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, X-rays, and/or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to further assess heart function.
Early detection and proactive management are essential in ensuring a high quality of life for pets with cardiac disease. If you have any concerns or questions about your pet's heart health, our team at James Horner vets is here to assist you.
For more information visit our dedicated Cardiology page on our website.
If you’d like to book a consultation please call 0121 270 5800 or book online.