Take heart in veterinary advances

While heart disease remains a threat for many of our pets, as heart disease affects around 10% of cats and dogs in the UK, advances in veterinary practice means the condition is now much better managed.

Medications for heart disease in pets have expanded and improved significantly in recent years. Where once we had to rely on treating animal patients with reduced doses of drugs originally developed for humans, there are now several very effective veterinary medications produced specifically for pets, many of which can slow the onset of heart disease and really improve the quality of life for the animal. The key is catching it early enough.

Naturally we all love our pets, so helping to protect them from the threat of heart disease should be a matter close to our own hearts. At Kingsway we urge you to watch out for indicators of trouble that require prompt attention as early detection is a major factor in helping to handle the condition and increase the life expectancy of your pet.

Heart disease in animals is slightly different to that in humans. In pets the condition generally stems from problems with the heart valves and muscles rather than coronary artery disease. This means that often the condition lies undetected until your pet begins to struggle to maintain circulation, leading to signs of congestive heart failure, sudden collapse or even death, so early detection of the warning signs can be life-saving.

Some of our most popular breeds are prone to heart-disease, with the rising popularity of smaller dogs highlighting the problem. Among the most at risk are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, 90% of which will have heart disease by the time they are 10 years old. Pugs, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are also at high risk. This doesn’t mean that larger breeds are not significantly affected, with 50% of Boxers having heart disease by the time they reach middle age. Dobermans and Great Danes are most at risk of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where thinning and dilation of the heart muscle results in difficulty pumping blood around the body.

Cats too are at risk of heart disease, though in this case it is the larger breeds such as the Maine Coon which carry the highest risk.
We recommend watching out for any of the following clues to a potential heart condition and seeking prompt advice for early treatment in the event of these:

– Coughing
– Laboured breathing
– Change in your pet’s ability to exercise
– Tiredness
– Disinterest in playing or interacting with you
– Weakness or wobbliness
– Collapsing, even for a short time
– Weight loss
– Rounded tummy
– Change in food intake (less or more)

All pets should have health checks regularly; at least annually with every 6 months recommended for older pets and at-risk breeds. The checks include a heart check, where we listen for abnormal sounds such as murmurs or irregular rhythms. If we pick up on any problems we usually recommend further investigation and have the facilities to help identify the problem quickly and take action.

A free information booklet about heart disease in pets is available from reception at Kingsway Veterinary Hospital on Otley Road in Skipton and more information about health plans which include regular heart checks as well as vaccinations, flea, worm and parasite treatments, can be found here.