It is alarming to note that over sixty percent of older dogs probably suffer from heart disease.  It is even more alarming to note that over fifteen percent of younger dogs also suffer from heart disease.  Heart disease in cats is more difficult to diagnose.  In cats, heart disease is called the silent killer.  How common it is in cats, is, at present, unknown.  It is probably about fifteen percent, definitely not as common as in dogs.

Until recently such statistics were unknown as heart disease symptoms were neglected, and even when noticed, the cause of the symptoms was difficult to diagnose.  Untreated heart disease can eventually result in heart failure and death.  With early diagnosis and treatment, you pet can lead a long, healthy, happy life.

The most common type of heart disease in dogs is called Mitral valve disease.   In this instance the valve becomes leaky and allows blood to flow back through the heart, in the wrong direction.  Another heart disease in dogs is called Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The heart’s effectiveness to pump blood is reduced as the heart muscle becomes weak and stretched.

The most common heart disease in cats is called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. In this disease, the heart muscle becomes thickened and cannot pump effectively.

Symptoms are heart disease in pets include the following.

1.  Breathlessness or difficulty breathing.

2.  Collapsing of fainting.

3.  Reluctance to play or exercise.

4.  Coughing or hiccuping.

Do not mistake these symptoms for the symptoms of aging.  Always check out any new changes in your pets behavior with your veterinarian.  When your vet checks your pet, he/she may also notice an irregular heartbeat, or murmur.  A murmur is a sound that can be heard between heartbeats.  It can only be heard with a stethoscope.  In cats there may also be a galloping rhythm to the heartbeat.

It is important that your pet receive a full medical check-up at least once a year or as suggested by your pet’s veterinarian.  It is during such check-ups that heart disease is often detected.  If heart disease is suspected, or if age indicates, your vet  may suggest a simple inexpensive blood test.  Further tests such as x-rays, electrocardiographs and ultrasounds may be necessary to accurately diagnose the problem.

Although heart disease  that is the result of genetic factors cannot be prevented, it can be treated.  Here are several things that you can do to help your pet survive heart disease.

1.  Feed your pet the most nourishing food you can afford.

2.  Ensure that your pet gets exercise appropriate to age, breed, and physical condition.

3.  Do not allow your pet to become overweight.

3.  Treat all medical problems promptly.

4.  Watch for any changes in your pet’s habits or behavior.  Some of these may be related to age but consult your veterinarian to be sure.

5.  Realize that some breeds of dogs and cats are more prone to heart disease than others.  Ask your veterinarian about your pet.

6.  Keep up with check-ups as advised by your veterinarian.