Your pet’s heart health is incredibly important and spotting signs of disease early makes all the difference. Annual health checks are a great opportunity for your vet to check your pet’s heart for signs of illness.
How does my pet’s heart work?
The heart is divided into four chambers; the upper chambers (left and right atria) and the lower chambers (left and right ventricles). Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium and is then pumped into the right ventricle. From the right ventricle it is pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen. Oxygenated blood flows from the lungs into the left atrium and into the left ventricle. Oxygenated blood is then pumped to the rest of the body from the left ventricle.
Most common types of heart disease
Mitral valve insufficiency (MVI)
The mitral valve is a one way valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle, which prevents blood from flowing backwards. This valve can undergo degenerative change which causes the valve to thicken and retract, leaving a hole that blood can leak through. The mitral chordae tendinae (the ‘heart strings’ which hold the valve in place) can also tear, causing the valve to flop rather than seal correctly. There is no known cause for MVI, though some breeds are pre-disposed to the condition such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Most owners are made aware of the disease when a vet picks up a heart murmur during a routine examination. The stage of the disease will dictate what treatment is needed. In mild cases, the condition may just be monitored. In moderate cases, management with medication may be required to slow the progress of the disease. In severe cases, MVI can lead to enlargement of the heart and congestive heart failure.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy is caused by a degeneration of the heart muscle, causing the muscle walls to become thinner and weaker, particularly in the left ventricle. The weakened heart struggles to pump blood around the body and the increased volume of blood in the heart causes it to become enlarged and ‘floppy’. If the heart becomes so large that it is unable to stretch further it can cause congestive heart failure. Additionally, patients with DCM are also at risk of sudden death due to development of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). DCM often develops gradually over years, owners may not notice any symptoms at home in the early stages, which is why annual health checks with a veterinarian are so important. Your vet can listen to your pet’s heart and spot signs of disease early, so treatment can begin. As with many heart conditions, there is no cure but with medication we can slow the progress of the disease significantly. Whilst there is no definitive cause of DCM, some large/giant breed dogs and certain spaniels are more at risk.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common type of heart disease to affect cats. HCM is a condition where the walls of the heart thicken, decreasing the volume of blood in the heart and making it harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Worsening heart function can lead to arrhythmias and the development of congestive heart failure. Unfortunately, HCM can also cause blood clots to form in the heart which can travel to other parts of the body, most commonly in the hind limbs, causing acute pain and possibly paralysis. HCM can develop with no outward symptoms in the early stages, so vet visits are important to catch early signs. If caught early, the disease can be managed with medication to slow the progress of the disease and avoid complications such as blood clots. The cause of HCM in unknown and any cat could be at risk, though some breeds such as Maine Coon, Persian, Sphynx, British shorthair and ragdoll cats are more likely to develop the disease.
Symptoms of early heart disease
Heart disease may show no obvious symptoms at home, so an annual health check with your vet is the best way to defend against disease. It can be easy to attribute some of the signs of heart disease to a pet’s natural ‘slowing down’ as they age so it’s important to discuss any changes to your pet’s normal demeanour or routine with your vet. If you do notice any of the below symptoms, book a health check as soon as possible.
- Coughing
- Laboured breathing or open mouth breathing in cats
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Reluctance to exercise
- Weight loss
Diagnosis – the cardiac workup
If your vet suspects that your pet may be suffering from heart disease they can recommend a cardiac workup. This is a staged process, dependent on the individual, so not all parts of the cardiac work up may be required. Some patients may need mild sedation so that they remain still enough for the diagnostic process.
- Chest x-rays – Taking an x-ray of the chest provides the veterinary surgeon with a still image of the heart and allows comparison of its size with surrounding features. The x-ray can identify generalised enlargement and aid diagnosis of the specific disease and treatment required e.g. fluid in the lungs can indicate congestive heart failure.
- Cardiac ultrasound – This complements other diagnostic procedures by examining and displaying the working heart and moving images of its action. Heart chamber and wall dimensions can be determined; the physical structure and motion of valves can be seen.
- Blood tests – Depending on the images seen, blood tests may be recommended as part of the work up. The tests measure a variety of levels in your pets blood but most importantly are looking for the presence of a particular type of hormone which is released into the blood when the heart muscle is stretched or experiences stress. This may be used to predict the risk of developing congestive heart failure. The tests also look for cardiac troponins, these are proteins that are released into the blood stream when the heart muscle is injured (e.g. heart attack). The sample is taken at the practice and sent out for the tests to be performed at an external laboratory.
Cost and insurance
Diagnosis and treatment of heart disease can be expensive, particularly as medication will likely be needed for the rest of a patient’s life once they have been diagnosed. We strongly encourage owners to take out pet insurance which will help cover some of these costs long before it is possibly needed. If you are worried about the cost of treatment or have questions about how to make a claim on your insurance policy, speak to a member of our team.
Call us on 01435 864422 or book an appointment online if your pet is due their annual health check.
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