Heart failure is a condition in which the canine heart is no longer able to pump adequate levels of blood to the rest of the body. It can be a devastating diagnosis for any dog owner to receive. Owners of senior dogs or owners of dogs of any age should understand the symptoms, prognosis and life expectancy of a dog suffering from heart failure.
Causes
Canine heart failure can be caused by congenital defects or degenerative diseases of the heart, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), heartworm disease or an arrhythmia.
Symptoms
Symptoms include hypertension, coughing due to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and exercise intolerance.
Treatment
Treatment for canine heart failure will depend on several factors. Some dogs may receive medications to strengthen heart muscles, diuretics or surgery to remove fluids from the lungs, and a change in diet.
Prognosis
Prognosis will vary from dog to dog and can range from dire to excellent. Response to treatment is key in determining a dog's prognosis.
Life Expectancy
Dogs affected by heart failure can live for a few days to several months, depending on their response to treatment and the severity of their condition.
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar