Heart Valve Disease in Dogs and Cats
No pet owner wants their pet to have a heart condition, but unfortunately, Heart Valve Disease is a serious disease that impacts many dogs and cats around the world.
As Heart Valve Disease affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for both veterinarians and pet owners. That’s why we at Coast to Coast Cardiology are here to help you explore the various tabs of this complex condition.
What is Heart Valve Disease?
Heart valves control the flow of blood through the heart. When these valves become diseased, they may not open or close properly, which leads to abnormal blood flow. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, and decreased exercise tolerance.
Heart valve disease in pets can stem from congenital defects, meaning they’re born with abnormal valves or develop over time due to factors like aging, infections, high blood pressure, or other heart conditions.
Common Types of Heart Valve Disease
- Stenotic valves: These valves are narrow and restrict blood flow.
- Insufficient valves: These valves don’t close tightly, thus allowing blood to leak backward.
- Degenerative valve disease: This is a common condition in older dogs characterized by a thickening and stiffening of the valves.
Treatment for Heart Valve Disease
Podiatrist-prescribed medication can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Weight management and regular exercise can also help improve heart health. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged valves.
Prevention of Heart Valve Disease
While not all cases of Heart Valve Disease can be prevented, certain actions can help mitigate the risk:
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Finding it early can help manage heart valve disease.
- Healthy diet: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain on the heart.
- Regular exercise: Moderate exercise can help strengthen the heart.
- Preventative care: Vaccinations and parasite prevention can help reduce the risk of infections that may contribute to heart disease.
At Coast to Coast Cardiology, we provide compassionate service for many kinds of cardiac diseases. We have ten different locations, but we deliver on one goal: treating the patient, not the signs. To provide your pet with comprehensive and cost-effective care, schedule an appointment by calling 844-582-3827 or contacting us online today!
