for dogs and cats diagnosed
with heart disease.
Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, Weimaraners, and German Shepherds all have a breed disposition toward Tricuspid dysplasia.
It is important to be very careful exercising a dog with heart disease, especially in hot weather.
Cats are difficult to diagnose with heart disease because they are very good at masking their pain.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common type of feline heart disease and the number one cause of spontaneous death in adult indoor cats.
Heart disease usually strikes cats in the prime of their lives – around 4 to 6 years of age.
Irish Wolfhounds, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and other larger breeds are at increased risk for cardiomyopathy.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature and Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, and many other small or toy breeds are at increased risk for valvular dysfunction.
With proper treatment, dogs and cats with congestive heart failure have the chance to live longer and more comfortable lives.
The prognosis is poor for animals diagnosed with valvular dysfunction, the most common type of heart disease which affects 20 – 40% of dogs.
