Animal Hospital of Casper - On Line

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure is one of the more common heart diseases seen in dogs, especially smaller breeds. A variety of signs may be present with CHF. This disease is normally seem in senior or geriatric age dogs. A sometimes insidious chronic cough develops over time and the pet may exhibit reduced exercise tolerance.

Veterinarians must use all resources to accurately diagnose heart diseases, starting with a comprehensive physical examination and history. Below are examples of actual normal heart sounds and a heart murmur. (return to Physical exam)

Click on the Heart to hear actual recording of "Normal Heart Sounds and Heart Murmur"!

The murmur sound is most often a result of an abnormality of the heart valves. Chronic infections, including dental disease, can cause the heart valves to become irritated and scarred for life. This diseased valves do not close tightly and, therefore, the murmur can be heard. Poor valve closure creates high blood pressure which results in retention of fluids in the lungs (sometimes the abdomen, as well). Poor circulation from the heart to the other organs (kidneys, liver and brain) can result in deterioration of those organs systems depending on good blood circulation.

These pictures show the differences from a Normal heart and a CHF heart with diseased valves.

Normal Heart (Click on picture to enlarge) CHF (click on picture to enlarge)

Additional diagnostic procedures include Electrocardiogram (EKG)

The normal EKG wave deflection for Lead II are shown here.

This EKG show slight changes in the P wave which indicate heart disease and enlargement.

Veterinarians must not only evaluate the individual EKG complexes, but also look at longer EKG tracings to see other potential abnormalities. The EKG findings are then correlated with the physical exam, radiographs and other laboratory tests.

Radiographs (Xrays) are a critical part of the diagnostic process in CHF. Below are xrays of normal and CHF.

Normal CHF - Enlarged heart.

A and B indicate both the left and right sides of the heart are enlarged. C indicated the secondary congestion (fluid) that is building up in the lungs.

The physical exam, diagnostic and laboratory tests helps your veterinarian to determine the type, severity and outlook of CHF. Newer diagnostic tests, such as, ultrasonography of the heart can greatly aid the accurate diagnosis of companion animal heart diseases.

Treatment of CHF in dogs can often be very rewarding, but requires certain efforts from the pet and owner.

1. Diuretic medication to reduce fluid in the lungs and to make the heart work. Additional drugs called vaso-dilators are also often helpful to reduce the workload on the heart. Other drugs may be indicated depending on

2. Diet changes may be necessary to reduce salt (sodium) intake which in turn reduce retained fluids - especially in the lungs. This decreases the workload for the heart and may reduce the need and level of medications.

3. Reduce exercise regiment to help control signs of CHF.

4. Continued monitoring by your veterinarian is critical to maintain a stable condition of CHF.

Prevention:

1. Monitor and treat chronic infections, such as dental disease, that can potentially cause heart valve damage as early as possible.

2.Regular veterinary examinations can help diagnose early stages of heart disease.Treatment is often less rigorous and more rewarding for the pet diagnosed in the early stages of CHF.

Meet "Squirt". Squirt is a 13 year old out-going female Yorkshire terrier diagnosed with CHF over 1 1/2 years ago.

Although Squirt's EKG is nearly normal, Squirt's radiograph indicates moderate heart enlargement. Squirt has placed on specific heart medication and diet change and has been very stable. Close monitoring of Squirt's heart condition by owners and her Doctors have helped Squirt enjoy herself to the fullest!

More information on Heart Disease in pets

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