An englarged heart in dogs can be potentially fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. So it's important to know the causes, symptoms, and possible dangers of an enlarged heart.
Heart health can be a big concern for dog owners, especially those who are raising certain breeds. For instance, the Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, Scottish Deerhound, Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Afghan Hound, and Cocker Spaniel all have a greater risk of developing an enlarged heart, also known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), as compared to other breeds.
An enlarged heart in dogs develops when the heart’s muscles weaken, causing pressure in the heart’s blood vessels to increase and, in turn, stretching the muscles. Valvular defects, heartbeat abnormalities, tumors, and heartworms can all be behind the initial weakening of the muscles. Heartworm prevention is easy with the help of an appropriate heartworm medicine like Interceptor.
When these muscles enlarge, several dangers can follow, such as:
Due to the enlarged muscles, the heart’s valves cannot close completely, causing blood to flow backward, thus creating a murmur. Arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses of the heart don't work properly, causing an irregular heartbeat. These impulses can be thrown off as the muscles enlarge.
2. Distended Abdomen
A distended abdomen will typically occur when the muscles on the right side of the heart enlarge so much that they fail, and fluid begins to build up in the abdomen. This buildup then puts pressure on the diaphragm, causing trouble breathing. You might also notice your dog eating less or occasionally vomiting, both of which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Ask your vet about Cerenia for dogs in case of excessive vomiting.
3. Fluid in the Lungs
Fluid in the lungs will typically occur when the muscles in the left side of the heart enlarge so much that they fail, causing fluid to pool in the lungs. This buildup then fills space in the lungs needed to bring oxygen into the bloodstream. In addition to causing a lingering cough, heavy breathing, fatigue, fainting, and even a bluing of the lips or tongue, fluid buildup in the lungs can also result in death. Medicines like Theophylline for dogs, Cefpodoxime Proxetil, and Cephalexin for dogs can help with lung infections.
4. Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart’s muscles enlarge to a point at which they can no longer meet the circulatory demands of the body, often resulting in death.
Enlarged hearts, if they do develop, normally develop in dogs between 4 to 10 years of age and can be found via a radiograph of the chest. The severity of the condition is determined with an ultrasound, which will show how much muscle function is left. However, your vet may spot the condition during a thorough physical exam.
Depending on how severe the condition is, your vet can prescribe medication to help the heart contract more effectively. They will also schedule regular checkups to track any progress, which can be determined with radiographs, blood pressure measurements, EKGs, and biochemical tests. Enalapril for dogs and Pimobendan for dogs can be used in case your dog does experience heart failure.
Unfortunately, in most cases, by the time the condition is spotted and diagnosed, it is too late -- life expectancy is usually determined to be under six months. But within those months, your vet can best advise you on how to make your dog's life as comfortable as possible.
Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
Several factors contribute to the development of DCM, including genetic predispositions, nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, and other environmental factors.
Inherited Traits and Dog Breeds
One of the primary causes of DCM is an inherited trait, making certain dog breeds more susceptible to this condition. Breeds commonly affected by DCM include German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Portuguese Water Dogs. The genetic predisposition in these breeds points to a hereditary root cause, suggesting that the condition can be passed down from one generation to the next.
Dog’s Age
Age is another important factor in the development of DCM. Middle-aged to older dogs are more commonly affected, although it can also occur in younger dogs. As dogs age, their cardiac muscle can weaken, making them more susceptible to conditions like DCM.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly taurine deficiency, have been linked to DCM. Taurine is an essential amino acid for dogs and is crucial for maintaining proper cardiac function. Taurine deficiency, often due to an imbalanced diet, has been associated with the development of DCM, particularly in breeds like Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels. Ensuring a dog's diet is rich in taurine can help prevent this deficiency and its related cardiac issues.
Similar to taurine, carnitine is another nutrient essential for heart health. Some studies suggest that carnitine supplements may benefit dogs with DCM, especially in breeds predisposed to carnitine deficiency, like Boxers and Doberman Pinschers. Carnitine plays a key role in energy production within heart cells, and its supplementation can help improve cardiac function in deficient dogs.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases like myocarditis caused by bacterial, viral, or protozoal infections can lead to the development of DCM. These infections can cause heart muscle inflammation, resulting in damage and dilation of the ventricles.
Several other factors can contribute to the development of DCM in dogs. Environmental influences, chronic stress, and other underlying health conditions can exacerbate the weakening of the heart muscle. Additionally, the definitive cause of DCM can sometimes be multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, nutritional, and environmental elements.
How Do You Determine if There Is a Problem?
The best way to determine whether or not your dog has an enlarged heart is by taking a complete history of their health and reviewing current blood work. Things to keep in mind include:
Symptoms consistent with an enlarged heart can include difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing, exercise intolerance, fainting spells, weakness, lethargy (tiredness), and collapse after exercise. Changes in the size of the chest and abdomen may also be present if there is fluid buildup around the heart or lungs.
Auscultation (listening) of the chest with a stethoscope can help reveal abnormal sounds that may indicate murmurs associated with valvular disease or congestive heart failure. An echocardiogram will provide more information about what structures are affected within the heart itself.
Echocardiograms can also help detect any valve leakage problems as well as any enlargement present in either chamber of your pet's heart. On occasion, other tests such as x-rays may be necessary depending on findings from echocardiogram results. However, these tests do not necessarily need both results before making decisions about treatment options for dogs suffering from CHF because, many times, one test alone will answer questions regarding diagnosis and severity.
Symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
In the early stages, symptoms may be subtle, but as the condition progresses, they become more pronounced. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
Early Signs and Common Symptoms
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Lethargy and Anorexia: Your four-legged companion may seem less energetic and have a decreased appetite.
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Rapid Breathing: Notice if your dog is panting excessively, especially after minimal exertion.
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Weight Loss: Despite a normal diet, your dog may experience unexplained weight loss.
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Heart Murmur: A veterinarian may detect an abnormal heart sound during a routine physical examination.
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Breathing Issues: Labored breathing or shortness of breath, especially during activity, could indicate a problem.
Identifying Heart Abnormalities
As the condition progresses, more severe symptoms may manifest:
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Enlarged Heart Diagnosed: A chest X-ray or ultrasound may reveal an enlarged heart, where the organ appears unnaturally large.
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Irregular Heartbeats: Your dog may experience irregular or abnormally fast heartbeats, known as ventricular tachycardia.
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Abdominal Distension: Fluid buildup in the abdomen can lead to swelling or distension.
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Crackling Sound: A veterinarian may detect a crackling sound in the lungs, especially upon examination.
Diagnostic Testing for Accurate Diagnosis
To confirm DCM and assess the severity, further diagnostic testing is necessary:
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Blood Tests: These can help evaluate the heart's function and check for markers of heart disease.
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Routine Physical Examination: A thorough examination by a veterinarian can provide strong indicators of heart abnormalities.
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Definitive Tests: An echocardiogram or electrocardiogram may be performed for a definitive diagnosis.
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Additional Testing: Additional tests may be required depending on the pet's specific symptoms and breed.
As DCM advances, the heart's ability to properly contract and pump blood diminishes. Blood may accumulate in the heart chambers, causing further enlargement. Fluid may also accumulate in the dog's organs, particularly the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties. The prognosis can vary depending on the extent of heart enlargement and other factors. Early detection and management can significantly improve your beloved companion's prognosis and quality of life.
How Do You Treat Your Dog’s Enlarged Heart?
If your dog is diagnosed with an enlarged heart, there are several treatment options to consider. Medication can be used to help control the symptoms of cardiomyopathy and reduce stress on the heart. Surgery is another option that can be considered in some cases. If your dog's condition is severe enough, surgery may be required to repair any damage done by his enlarged heart. This procedure may be successful in relieving symptoms and improving your dog's quality of life for a time, but it does not cure cardiomyopathy or prevent further complications from developing later on down the road (which will require additional surgeries).
Surgery also carries its risks: anesthesia-related complications such as infections or difficulty breathing; blood loss during surgery; postoperative pain; difficulty recovering from anesthesia; possible death due to existing medical problems exacerbated by surgery (such as kidney failure). Vetmedin for dogs is the main treatment for heart disease, along with supplements like Nordic Naturals Omega 3 and Salmon Oil for dogs. For the kidney, Furosemide for dogs is a tried and tested medicine.
Treating this disease involves a multifaceted approach designed to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival, as the disease is managed rather than cured.
A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose and manage DCM in dogs. These specialists can perform advanced diagnostic tests, prescribe appropriate treatments, and monitor the dog's response to therapies. In severe cases of DCM, dogs may require oxygen therapy to alleviate symptoms of heart failure, such as difficulty breathing and hypoxia. Oxygen therapy provides immediate relief by increasing the oxygen levels in the blood, which can be crucial during acute episodes.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy plays a crucial role in managing DCM. Dietary changes are often recommended to support heart health and overall well-being. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, and L-carnitine can be beneficial. Carnitine supplements, in particular, are often used to help produce energy in heart cells.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors, like enalapril or benazepril, are commonly prescribed to dogs with DCM. These medications help to relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the workload on the heart, thereby improving heart function and reducing symptoms.
Diuretics
Diuretics, such as furosemide or spironolactone, remove excess fluid from the body, which can accumulate due to heart failure. This helps to reduce the workload on the heart and alleviate symptoms like swelling and difficulty breathing.
Inotropic Drugs
Inotropic drugs like pimobendan are vital in treating DCM. They increase the strength of the heart's contractions and improve blood flow, which can significantly enhance the quality of life for affected dogs.
Beta Blockers
Beta-blockers are sometimes used to slow the heart rate and reduce the heart's workload. These medications can help manage arrhythmias and prevent further heart damage.
Anti-arrhythmic Drugs
Anti-arrhythmic drugs are prescribed to control irregular heartbeats, which are common in dogs with DCM. These medications help to maintain a stable heart rhythm and prevent complications.
Bronchodilators and Cough Suppressants
Bronchodilators can help improve breathing by relaxing the muscles in the airways. If a persistent cough is present, cough suppressants may also be prescribed to provide comfort and prevent further stress on the heart.
In some severe cases, long-term hospitalization might be necessary to stabilize the dog and adjust medications. Continuous monitoring in a veterinary hospital ensures that the dog receives immediate care if any complications arise.
Grain-Free Food and Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
In 2018, the U.S. FDA began investigating the potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), prompted by increased cases of DCM in dogs not genetically predisposed to the condition, such as Golden Retrievers.
A report released by the FDA in 2019 revealed that over 90% of reported DCM cases in dogs were associated with grain-free diets. Many of these diets contained peas, lentils, or other legumes instead of traditional grains, with some being raw, vegetarian, or vegan formulations.
The term "BEG diets" (boutique, exotic, grain-free) gained traction in the veterinary community to describe these implicated diets. Initially, the focus was on taurine deficiency as a potential cause of DCM, supported by reports of positive responses to taurine supplementation in affected dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers.
However, subsequent investigations revealed that DCM might involve multiple factors beyond taurine deficiency, making the condition more complex than initially thought.
Many veterinarians caution against feeding grain-free diets due to the potential risk of DCM. However, they acknowledge that some dogs with allergies may benefit from specific BEG diets tailored to manage their condition. Consulting a veterinarian is crucial for determining the best nutrition plan for a pet's health and well-being.
For dogs on BEG, vegetarian/vegan, raw, or homemade diets, veterinarians may recommend monitoring for secondary acquired nutritional diseases like DCM. This monitoring could involve measuring blood and plasma taurine levels, supplementing specific vitamins or minerals, or more frequent imaging to detect any early diet-related issues.
So, what are the four dangers of an enlarged heart in dogs? Well, they're all pretty scary. In the end, though, if you can get your dog diagnosed early and start treatment as soon as possible (ideally before any symptoms show up), then he or she should be able to live a long and happy life. You might even be able to avoid some of these dangers altogether!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog live with an enlarged heart?
Generally the life expectancy of dogs with enlarged hearts is 6 to 24 months. While some dogs with an enlarged heart may have a shorter life expectancy, there is no specific or universal time frame for how long a dog can live with an enlarged heart. The prognosis and life expectancy depend on the underlying cause of the enlargement, the severity of the condition, and the individual dog's overall health and response to treatment. For example, if the dog has an enlarged heart due to a treatable condition such as an infection or a nutritional deficiency, and the underlying cause is addressed and treated promptly, the dog may be able to recover and live a normal lifespan. On the other hand, if the dog has a more serious condition, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, the prognosis may be poor, and the dog's life expectancy may be reduced.
Can a dogs enlarged heart go back to normal?
Yes, you are correct. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive condition of the heart muscle in which the heart becomes weak and enlarged, and it cannot pump blood efficiently. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DCM, and the condition may continue to progress despite treatment. The goal of treatment for DCM is to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease to improve the dog's quality of life. This may involve medications to improve heart function, control fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen, and reduce the risk of blood clots. Lifestyle modifications such as a low-sodium diet and exercise restrictions may also be recommended.
What can be done for a dog with an enlarged heart?
The treatment options for a dog with an enlarged heart depend on the underlying cause of the enlargement, the severity of the condition, and the individual dog's overall health status. However, in general, the goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms and improve the dog's quality of life. Depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition, medications may be prescribed to improve heart function, reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen, and reduce the risk of blood clots. Common medications used to treat an enlarged heart include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and anti-arrhythmic drugs. In some cases, dietary changes, such as a low-sodium diet, may be recommended to reduce fluid retention and improve heart function. Additionally, exercise may be restricted to avoid putting undue stress on the heart. If the enlarged heart is due to an underlying condition, such as a heartworm infection, addressing the underlying condition is crucial to improve the dog's prognosis. Regular follow-up care with a veterinarian is essential to monitor the dog's condition, adjust the treatment plan as needed, and provide supportive care to manage any symptoms.
What causes a dogs heart to become enlarged?
Nutritional deficiencies in carnitine and taurine have been shown to be associated with the development of an enlarged heart in dogs. Carnitine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in energy metabolism, and a deficiency can lead to a reduction in energy production in heart cells, causing the heart to enlarge. Similarly, taurine is an amino acid that is essential for the proper function of the heart and other organs. A deficiency in taurine can lead to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, which can cause the heart to become enlarged and weakened. In addition to nutritional deficiencies, other factors such as infectious diseases, genetics, and certain medications can also contribute to the development of an enlarged heart in dogs. For example, infections such as bacterial endocarditis and heartworm disease can cause damage to the heart and lead to enlargement. Certain breeds of dogs, such as Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes, are also predisposed to develop dilated cardiomyopathy and may be at a higher risk of developing an enlarged heart.
Does an enlarged heart hurt dogs?
An enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) is a condition characterized by an increase in the size of the heart, which can be caused by various factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or certain genetic conditions. While inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) can contribute to the development of an enlarged heart, it is not the sole cause of the condition. In fact, many cases of cardiomegaly are not caused by inflammation at all. In cases where inflammation of the heart is present, it can lead to various complications that can affect the heart's ability to function properly. For example, inflammation can lead to scarring and thickening of the heart muscle, which can reduce the heart's ability to contract and pump blood effectively. It can also affect the heart valves' ability to close properly, leading to leakage of blood and further weakening of the heart. However, it's important to note that not all cases of enlarged heart involve inflammation, and the specific symptoms and complications of the condition can vary depending on the underlying cause. It's crucial to work closely with a veterinarian to diagnose and treat the specific cause of an enlarged heart in a dog.
More on Heart Health
7 Risk Factors for Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs
Nutrition for Cats and Dogs With Heart Disease
Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
