CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS IN THE DOG

Problems with the dog's heart need not be acquired - There are many examples that indicate a genetic error. The congenital heart disease is called in professional circles also quite dry aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis or ventricular septal defect - just to name a few. The term covers a large number of possible errors, but they can develop similar symptoms. Narrowing of the blood vessels, pinholes in the heart or even a valvular dysfunction usually fall underneath and lead to noticeable performance restrictions in the beloved pet. About 20% of all heart defects are committed from birth. The remaining diseases are acquired and triggered, for example, by infections, unhealthy metabolism or parasite infestation.

Heart disease has many facets

As general symptoms show decreasing readiness to play and early fatigue. Dogs that require an excessive amount of sleep without visible occupancy or illness, give first indications. If the congenital defect exerts a strong influence at an early age, this may be an obstacle to growth. In addition, there may be signs of cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes. In addition, the animal quickly becomes short of breath and shows an unusual tendency to cough, despite the lack of signs of a cold. Often, such underlying diseases are overlooked, as they were weak at birth, but can deteriorate over the course of life. The heart bypasses symptoms through increased use over a long period of time and does not reveal them at first. Long-term symptoms such as reduced cardiac pumping (heart failure) lead to the formation of edema in the legs or lungs. Completely unexpectedly, the heart can quit his service and cause a sudden death of the faithful fourpaw. But there is also the possibility that the mistake does not affect too much on the general condition and the family darling a happy and content life is imminent.

The visit to the veterinarian clarifies

Routine examinations such as the regular health check and vaccination appointments at the veterinarian show the first symptoms even at an early stage. An inspection of the animal patient by eye and hand often allows first conclusions. The tapping after the typical, externally visible symptoms such as edema and discoloration of the mucous membranes fall under it. An assessment of the heart sounds with the help of a stethoscope can further fuel the suspicion. However, explicit diagnoses require special medical equipment.

X-ray photograph

Using X-rays, the size and shape of the heart can be analyzed at a glance.

cardiac ultrasound

The ultrasound examination, also called echocardiography in medicine, exposes the structure of the heart. First and foremost, it provides insight into processes within the atrium and the ventricle. Furthermore, it can reveal leaks in the heart valve. Similarly, a thickening of the muscles and changes in the septum in this way can be quickly identified.

angiography

If it comes in blood vessels to harmful changes, they are recognizable by the angiography. A contrast agent is used and must be injected into the bloodstream before recording by computed tomography or X-rays.

ECG

The electrocardiogram measures heart rates and rhythm over a set period of time. The graph of the waves provides information about the condition of the heart function. In particular, dropouts, heart failure and arrhythmia can be identified.

What are the chances of recovery?

Although a heart defect sounds almost like a death sentence at first, it can certainly have a favorable prognosis in combination with the right therapy. In fact, even some birth defects disappear as they occur due to incomplete cardiac structures and improve with age.

If there is cause for concern, medications or surgical interventions may be considered. Similar to humans, it is necessary to have a very precise classification of the severity of the problem. In surgery, direct open heart surgery may be done, but sometimes the more gentle, minimally invasive procedure is possible.

Medications aim to support cardiac function and relieve the circulation. Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce heart stress. By means of drainage, congestion is alleviated by excessive blood volume and edema. Anti-arrhythmic drugs help against arrhythmias and act as a clock.

Based on the many faces that can form heart disease, a general prognosis can be difficult. Slight congestion, but slight changes in the heart structure have good prospects. It becomes difficult when a significant heart failure has already developed. The sooner the heart defect is detected, the better the chance of a vital life course of the dog.

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