1. What is congestive heart failure?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs refers to the heart’s inability to pump adequate blood to meet the body’s needs. It can occur due to various underlying conditions such as heart valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart defects.
2. Are certain breeds more predisposed to heart disease/congestive heart failure?
Yes, certain dog breeds are more predisposed to heart disease and congestive heart failure, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Miniature Schnauzers, among others. However, heart disease can affect any kind of dog and it is best to be aware of certain risk factors and symptoms.
3. What is the life expectancy of a dog with congestive heart failure?
The life expectancy of a dog with congestive heart failure can vary depending on factors such as the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the effectiveness of treatment. Generally, dogs diagnosed with CHF can live anywhere from six months to two years or more with proper management. Every dog is different and I encourage you to not pay too much attention to the statistics and to just focus on the dog in front of you. Your dog is not a statistic, they are their own individual and no one can determine how long any of us will live.
4. What are common medicines for congestive heart failure?
The most common prescription medications for congestive heart failure in dogs may include diuretics (e.g., furosemide), ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril), pimobendan, and in some cases, aldosterone receptor antagonists (e.g., spironolactone). Usually pimobendan/vetmedin is the first medication to be prescribed for heart disease.
5. How long has Edie been diagnosed with congestive heart failure?
Edie was first diagnosed with a heart murmur and mitral valve disease in June 2022 right before her 10th birthday. She started vetmedin/pimobendan and then went into Congestive Heart Failure in October 2022 when she started coughing and her vet determined that she had fluid in her lungs. She then started taking furosdemide and spironolactone from a cardiologist. The cardiologist said that the “textbook” prognosis was 6-24 months, however we are coming up on 2 years of congestive heart failure and she is doing better than ever.
6. What supplements are good for congestive heart failure?
There are many supplements that can help support a dog with heart disease or congestive heart failure. Some of my favorite supplements are Coq10/Ubiquinol, Hawthorn berry, omega 3 fish oil, D-Ribose, and Fera Cardiac Supplement that contains taurine, l-carnitine, vitamin E, and other ingredients.
7. Are there symptoms I should look out for?
Symptoms of congestive heart failure in dogs may include coughing, difficulty breathing, fainting, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and abdominal distention. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial if you notice any of these signs in your dog.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. I am not a professional veterinarian and all information is my personal opinion only. We are not liable for any issues and I recommend you speak with a licensed veterinarian regarding all treatments for your dog.
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