Tell Tail AugustNovember 2017

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24 http://www.facebook.com/TellTailMagazine Tell Tail^ n^ Aug 2017 - Oct 2017

I

ncreasingly, cardiac trouble

is being noted in dogs. The

reasons are congenital as

well as lifestyle related. As pet

parents, you have to be on your

guard and consult your veterinarian

if you see any changes in your dog’s

routine that includes behaviour,

exercise intolerance, food intake,

breathlessness, coughing and

weight.

The cardiovascular system of your

dog includes the heart along with

the lungs and blood vessels. The

heart’s main function is to pump

blood to the lungs from the right

side of the heart.

Oxygen is added

to the blood and

carbon dioxide is

removed. Then

the left side

takes charge and

pumps this blood

to the rest of the

body.

Very simply

put, your dog’s heart is a four-

chambered pump made of muscle.

These chambers are separated by

valves which ensure that blood can

flow in only one direction.

Each contraction of the heart

muscle pumps blood around your

dog’s body, supplying the required

oxygen and carrying away the waste

products.

Causes of heart disease

Acquired heart disease:

Develops in the course of a dog’s

life. The two principal causes

are Valvular Disease and Dilated

Cardiomyopathy

Congenital defect: A problem

Dr Sagar Bhongle

Inside the heart

If detected in time, cardiac issues can be managed so that your pet

gets a decent quality of life