Heart Disease
Dogs can develop several types of heart disease:
Defective valves that lose the ability to close properly, which causes abnormal blood flow
Abnormal heart beats
The thinning and weakening of the heart muscle (myocardium) walls All types can result in significant illness or heart failure.
Your veterinarian can prescribe an appropriate diet and medicines.

Heart disease medications for dogs include benazepril, digoxin, diltiazem, and enalapril.

Though the signs of heart disease are also associated with other conditions, a thorough exam by your veterinarian can rule out other diseases. A stethoscope exam can reveal murmurs and fluid in the lungs. Palpation can reveal unusual pulses. X-rays reveal heart enlargement An EKG can identify heart enlargement and irregular rhythms. Blood and urine tests can reveal heartworms and the condition of other internal organs. Heart disease typically causes the heart to enlarge, and this enlargement causes the heart to lose efficiency. Fluid retention then begins to cause problems. Feeding your pet a food high in sodium can contribute to the problem of fluid retention. For this reason, veterinarians recommend a food with low sodium will help reduce fluid build-up and make it easier for the heart to do its job. Also, if you have a water softener in your home, your veterinarian may advise you to provide distilled water for your pet to drink. This is because many softeners use sodium to treat the water. Once your pet has been diagnosed with heart disease, he or she will always have the condition. But, with proper care and appropriate food, your pet will most likely be able to live a relatively normal life.

Preventive Dog Health Neutering/Spaying Your Dog Weight Control Second-Hand Smoke and Canine Cancer Dental Care Visiting the Vet Time for Vaccinations Core Vaccinations Non-Core Vaccinations Lyme Disease	Dog Health Conditions (General) Allergies (Food and Skin) Bladder Control Breathing Problems Eye Problems General Pain Hearing Problems High Blood Pressure Joint Pain Lameness (unable to use one or more limb[s] effectively) Separation Anxiety
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