February brings heart-shaped everything, and it is also a natural moment to learn a bit about the hearts of the animals we love. Heart conditions are among the health issues veterinarians commonly manage in dogs and cats, particularly as they age. Understanding the basics can help you notice changes and have better conversations with your veterinarian.
A quick tour of the heart
Dogs and cats have four-chambered hearts, much like ours. The two upper chambers, the atria, receive blood. The two lower chambers, the ventricles, pump it out. The right side sends blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen, and the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Valves between the chambers keep blood moving in one direction.
When a valve does not close properly, or the heart muscle becomes thickened or weakened, the heart has to work harder. Over time, that strain can lead to a condition called congestive heart failure, where fluid can build up in or around the lungs or abdomen.
What is a heart murmur?
A murmur is an abnormal sound a veterinarian hears through a stethoscope, caused by turbulent blood flow. Murmurs vary widely. Some are mild and may never cause problems, and some are linked to significant heart disease. Puppies and kittens can sometimes have murmurs that resolve as they grow. Hearing a murmur usually means your vet may recommend further evaluation, such as X-rays, an ultrasound of the heart called an echocardiogram, or other tests.
Common heart conditions, in general terms
- Degenerative valve disease in dogs. A common condition in older dogs, particularly small breeds, in which a heart valve gradually thickens and leaks.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. A disease of the heart muscle in which the heart becomes enlarged and pumps less effectively. It is more often seen in certain large breeds.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. The most commonly diagnosed heart disease in cats, in which the heart muscle thickens. Many affected cats show few or no signs until the disease is advanced.
- Heartworm disease. A parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes that can affect the heart and lungs of dogs and cats. It is largely preventable, so ask your vet about prevention.
Your veterinarian can explain which conditions are most relevant to your pet’s breed, age and history.
What owners can do
- Keep up with wellness exams. Listening to the heart is part of a routine physical, and early detection helps.
- Learn your pet’s resting breathing rate. Your veterinarian may suggest counting breaths while your pet sleeps. Ask what range is normal for your pet.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight makes the heart and lungs work harder.
- Follow parasite prevention advice. Ask your vet about heartworm testing and prevention.
- Ask about diet. If you have questions about how food choices relate to heart health, your veterinarian is the right person to ask.
Heart disease is often manageable when it is caught and monitored. Many pets live comfortably for a long time with the right care plan. This article is general information only; please talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s heart health.
