Canine enlarged heart is medically known as dilated cardiomyopathy. It is a disease characterized by an enlargement of both the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Usually one side is more seriously affected than the other.
When the ventricle is enlarged, it becomes more difficult for the heart to pump blood into the lungs. As a result, fluid starts to accumulate in the lungs.
An enlarged heart also results in the walls of the heart becoming thin. This causes the heart muscle to weaken. Eventually, the heart begins to fail.
Canine enlarged heart is the most common cause of congestive heart failure in large and giant breed dogs.
Dogs that are predisposed to this disease include:
- Boxers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- American and English Cocker Spaniels
- Springer Spaniels
- St. Bernards
- Schnauzers
- Old English Sheepdogs
Small and toy breed dogs rarely have this heart issue.
Age-wise, most dogs are around 2 to 5 years of age at the onset of symptoms. Males are more prone to canine enlarged heart than females.
Causes of Canine Enlarged Heart
The exact cause of most cases of dilated cardiomyopathy is unknown. In other cases, possible causes include:
Hypothyroidism
Studies have shown that some cases of hypothyroidism in dogs can be a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
Myocarditis
Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle. Infections (e.g. bacterial, fungal, viral) are the common causes of myocarditis. This condition sometimes occurs before dilated cardiomyopathy finally develops.
Taurine and/or Carnitine Deficiency
A deficiency of taurine and/or carnitine may lead to canine enlarged heart. This condition is more common in certain breeds, such as American Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, and possibly Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and others.
Genetics
As mentioned above, large and giant breed dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease.
Symptoms of Canine Enlarged Heart
Signs and symptoms of a dog having an enlarged heart are similar to those in canine congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. They include:
- Tiring easily
- Lethargy
- Exercise intolerance
- Restlessness
- Frequent coughing, sometimes bringing up bloody sputum (Coughing usually occurs after physical exertion, and at night time)
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing; increased panting, wheezing, and puffing
- Abdominal swelling
- Rapid and irregular pulse
- Gray or bluish gums
- Weakness
- Fainting with exertion or stress
Diagnosis and Treatment
A vet bases his diagnosis on:
- Chest X-rays: By looking at the x-rays, the vet can see if the heart chambers is enlarged.
- ECG: Changes in the ECG means the dog has cardiac arrhythmias, which is one symptom of an enlarged heart.
- Echocardiogram: By using echocardiogram, the vet can identify the characteristic pattern of a failing heart muscle.
Treatment usually includes using medication to:
Improve the Force of the Heart Muscle
Vets commonly prescribe drugs such as the digitalis glycosides, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g. Enacard, Fortekor) for dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. These drugs enhance the force of heart contraction so the heart can pump more strongly and efficiently.
Control Arrhythmias
Vets also use a number of drugs (such as digitalis, lidocaine, diltiazem, atropine, and propanalol) to control arrhythmias in dogs.
Prevent Fluid Buildup
Additionally, the vet may also need to use diuretics (e.g. furosemide) to prevent fluid buildup in the dog’s abdomen and lungs.
In addition to medication, the vet may suggest putting the dog on a low-salt diet.
Certain supplements are also beneficial for dogs with heart problems. These include vitamin-B supplements and taurine and carnitine. Coenzyme Q10 is another supplement that can help dogs with heart disease.
A good supplement for dog heart health to consider is VetriScience Laboratories- Cardio Strength
Prognosis of Canine Enlarged Heart
Sadly, even with medication, a dog with an enlarged heart does not have a good prognosis. Generally, the prognosis is about 6 months to 2 years after diagnosis.
If your dog is diagnosed with this heart problem, monitor his condition closely. Watch out for signs of stress on the heart, such as panting, coughing, shortness of breath, fainting, and so on. Do not allow your dog to engage in vigorous activities, or exercise for a long period of time.