When high diastolic pressures in the heart build up into the veins and capillaries, then congestive heart failure can occur, which in turn causes a leakage of fluid out of those vessels.
Heart failure is the end consequent of many different cardiac and pericardial diseases. These include:
Decreased myocardial contractibility. This is a weak heart muscle, which is commonly seen with dilated cardiomyopathy. Valvular regurgitation. This is a leak in one of the four heart valves, as seen with mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Increased myocardial stiffness, which impairs the heart's capability to fill with blood.
In the beginning, the signs of congestive heart failure can be quite mild and difficult to see. However the symptoms can come to be more severe in a short space of time. Some of the symptoms to look for are:
Lack of power - the dog becomes much less active and tires speedily while the later stages of congestive heart failure; Poor appetite; Weight loss; Heavy breathing - the dog can show signs of mystery in breathing, panting and coughing whilst resting; Coughing; Swollen abdomen - the dogs' stomach can expand as fluid accumulates in the liver and abdomen; and Change of mouth color - the color of the membranes of the mouth can be grayish rather than being a wholesome pink color.
The first thing that is needs to be done though, is to carry on the clinical signs of congestive heart failure by reducing the formation of edema and effusion and to increase the cardiac output, which
is the delivery of blood to the tissues.
There are a wide range of treatments ready for Congestive Heart Failure, depending on the severity of the condition.
One of the most favorite drugs used for this disease is Digitalis. This is a medication which belongs to a group called inescapable inotropic agents which help to increase the concentration of calcium in the heart muscle cells.
Diuretics are also another well known drug used for dogs with this condition. These drugs help to remove built up fluids that occur in the lungs and abdomen.
Monitor your dogs attitude and any changes in appearance when you spend time with your friend. It is vital to keep a diary of whatever that varies from "the norm" so that you can show it to your vet. Check your dog on a daily basis for:
breathing, see if it is heavy or labored; loss or allowance of appetite; restlessness; fainting; and profound lethargy.
However, it is important to remember, that canine congestive heart failure is a major disease and it is a necessity to have regular visits to your veterinarian to ensure that your dogs' needs are being met.
