Enlarged Heart In Dogs

Enlarged heart in dogs has been found to be the most health issues in middle aged male canines of larger breeds. In this condition, also known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the heart deteriorates to a point where it ceases to pump blood throughout the body. With time, this causes fluid accumulation in the lungs, and eventually results in the development of congestive heart failure. Canines between four and ten years old, are usually diagnosed by DCM. Experts have also found that the condition could be breed specific, as it is commonly found in Boxer, Great Dane, Afghan Hound, Saint Bernard, and other large dog breeds.

Factors Causing Heart Enlargement

Scientists have been able to find no specific factors which could explain the occurrence of DCM. However, parvovirus (any of a group of viruses containing DNA in an icosahedral protein shell and causing disease in dogs and cattle), taurine deficiencies and adriamycin are believed to be some major contributes in the development of the disease. Then there are certain studies which purport the fact that in some breeds, the problem might be a genetic one.

Main Symptoms

Enlarged heart in canines is not known to manifest itself in many ways. Coughing and heart failure could be the main symptoms. Some dogs may also face difficulty in breathing and some may show signs of getting collapsed or an enlarged abdomen. These symptoms, however, surface up at a later stage of the condition. So with no early symptoms to recognize, it becomes difficult to diagnose and treat the condition while it is in an early stage.

Methods which are involved in diagnosing the problem include X-rays, electrocardiography [(diagnostic procedure consisting of recording the activity of the heart electronically with a cardiograph (and producing a cardiogram)] and echocardiography (a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study the structure and motions of the heart).

Treating the Ailment

Unfortunately, this condition cannot be reversed; in other words, incurable. The symptoms of congestive heart failure, however, can be managed with drugs, and help prolong the life of your pet. The treatment also aids in improving the function of the animal's heart. According to what experts have come across, the survival rate or the life expectancy depends on how the pets' body react to the drugs and upon the type of the dog breed.

As there is no solid cure for the condition, preventing it is the best way out.

• Routine dental check ups for your pet will ensure good dental health and prevent the onset of any heart diseases.
• A proper diet helps in keeping dogs fit and slim, and its more effective when combined with regular exercises.
• Dogs' diets, apart from containing other essential nutrients, must be rich in L-Carnitine and Taurine. Taurine is known to help regulate heartbeats, helps in calcium absorption during times of reduced oxygen and protects the heart from calcium overload. Carnitine helps in producing the needed energy by using fatty acids.
• Supplementing the dogs' foods with Omega 3 Fatty acids also aids in developing healthy heart and shinier coat.
• Most importantly, keep an eye on the various types of symptoms of heart diseases. Apart from the above symptoms, lethargy, swollen extremities and decreased energy may also indicate potential heart diseases.

At times, there is nothing much that can be done in order to keep your pets from developing any kind of heart disease; such as the disorder of an enlarged heart. This is due to the fact that the cause may have its source in the dogs' genes or may be triggered by some unknown conditions. The best you can do, is take all the required measures in order to minimize the risks of developing any illnesses, and help them go on with their normal life.