Canine Heart Murmur and Congestive Heart Failure
Canine congestive heart failure is a condition that is the result of an abnormality in the performance and construction of the the walls and chambers of the heart. There are two main types in which this ailment shows itself in. If the heart chamber walls are congealed, the ability to pump blood is decreased and blood flow is also decreased. In addition, your dog’s heart becomes bigger when the walls are stretched; also causing decrease in the efficacy of the organ to pump sufficient blood.
While the heart may, for a time, work harder to compensate for the worsened performance; eventually it will weaken substantially - enough to cause canine cardiac failure. Symptoms of cardiac failure include a bluish tongue, increased drooling and a grayish tinge around the mouth, labored breathing, coughing more than usual and becoming easily tired. Unfortunately when these signs show themselves, the ailment is likely in its latter stages.
A competent vet may confirm findings of an enlarged heart or cardiovascular abnormalities via chest x-rays and ultrasound. It is imperative that you do this because if you give the wrong prognosis the dog’s condition, administering incorrect drugs can prove to be lethal to the dog’s system. Confirm the report and take the essential steps that are likely to help extend your pet’s life.
One of the most important things you can do to help your pet is to give him the right meals that consist of nourishing and nutrients enriched food. This includes lean meat and vegetables like pumpkin, beets, zucchini, yams and carrots. Mix the vegetable and meat together and chop it into small pieces that your dog can easily eat.
Supplements such as L-Carnitine, Taurine, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin # and Omega-3 should be included in the animal’s food intakemeals. Research have shown that the right amount of these nutrients have many times, decreased fatalities and significantly enhanced cardiac well-being.
Once dog heart failure is diagnosed, the first thing your vet will probably recommend is medicine that will constrict the blood vessels so that the blood will flow better. Diuretics also help in developing blood flow. It takes out excess retained liquid in some of the canine’s organs; this also helps in the management of canine heart murmur.
Canine heart murmurs are occasionally discovered during a puppy’s formative years. If you have your puppy checked earlier, the doctor would have been able to identify it easily. Instead of short, sharp throbbing; the animal’s heartbeats will resound with softer and longer thumps in his chest. Heart murmurs are sometimes caused by anemia and inborn cardiac abnormalities, but there are therapies that will help this ailment not to become worse than it can be.
Other than a good diet and regular exercise, herbal and homeopathic tonics are said to fight the bad effects of canine heart murmur. Kalium phosphate, calcium fluoride and arnica montana are other effective ingredients that aid in promoting the general good working of the dog’s blood pressure and cardiovascular system.
Canine congestive heart failure is an unfortunate fact some pet owners will need to face. No pet owner wishes that on any person of course but make a choice to not let this ailment rule your dog’s life. Prolong the life of your dog and make it as easy as you can for him - if health is derived from happiness and love, then make it a goal to give your pet its best health everyday of its life.