How to Know If Our Pet Has Heart Disease

How to Know If Your Pet Has Heart Disease

The heart never stops working throughout life, even while sleeping, because it has a vital role in the body—pumping blood to nourish various organs, ensuring normal bodily functions. When there’s a problem with heart function, it can affect many other systems in the body.

The heart in mammals is similar to humans, with four chambers and four heart valves. It functions by using the difference in blood pressure and the rhythmic contraction of the heart muscles to circulate blood throughout the body.

Heart diseases in mammals can be congenital (present at birth), which results from incomplete development of the fetus, or acquired (developing later in life), usually due to age-related degeneration. These conditions can be further categorized based on the nature of the disorder, such as valvular diseases (affecting the heart valves) and myocardial diseases (affecting the heart muscle).

When an animal suffers from heart disease, it can lead to abnormal blood circulation and blood congestion in the vessels. Pets may show symptoms such as easy fatigue, poor tolerance to exertion, fainting, and in severe cases, fluid buildup in the lungs, chest, or abdomen, leading to swelling in various parts of the body. This condition is known as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), which can be life-threatening. It may also affect other vital organs, leading to conditions like liver failure or kidney failure.

Heart disease diagnosis in mammals involves a thorough history, physical examination, blood tests, chest X-rays, echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), and electrocardiogram (ECG). A veterinarian with knowledge of heart systems is needed to interpret diagnostic results.

Heart disease treatment in mammals is primarily medical, using medication to control symptoms. A veterinary cardiologist will choose medications based on drug mechanisms and current research, as well as evaluate the individual animal's condition. Therefore, treatment is tailored to each pet’s specific needs (tailor-made). In some cases, surgery may be required for certain types of heart disease.

Regular heart disease screening and assessment can help monitor and slow the progression of early-stage heart disease. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, please consult a veterinary cardiologist for appropriate advice.

With best regards from the Chest Disease Unit, Kwankham Animal Hospital

Dr. Rattikan Worla (Dr. White)
Dr. Jirasin Chintanaphusit (Dr. JJ)
Dr. Chanikan Unnanant (Dr. Thankyou)