Tell Tail AugustNovember 2017

Tell Tail n Aug 2017 - Oct 2017 25

that a dog is born with, it is usually
diagnosed very early. Infection, age
and injury can exacerbate it.
Like in humans, diet and exercise
affect your pet’s heart too.

n History of exercise intolerance
n Weakness
n Persistant coughing
n Change in behaviours including
reluctance to accept affection,
depression, being withdrawn
n Difficulty breathing
n Abdominal swelling
n Loss of consciousness
n Loss of appetite and weight -
even weight gain
n Restlessness - especially at night
n Edema

n X ray, electrocardiograph,

echocardiography.

Treatment

The aim of any treatment is to

improve the quality and length of a

pet’s life. The intention is to reduce

the buildup of fluid and to increase

the blood being pumped to the lungs

and the body by the heart with the

help of medicines, supplements and

a change in diet.

Exercise

Do not exert the dog in any way. If

he/she can’t walk much, don’t insist

on more. Ball fetching, jumping etc

is exhausting for such patients so

don’t insist on anything. Talk to your

veterinarian and figure out what

works best.

Congestive heart failure

Any heart with a reduced

ability to contract is considered a

failing heart. Such patients have

congestive heart failure. To detect

it, periodic check ups of all dogs

after the age of 8 are needed. A low

sodium diet is good for dogs with

severe congestive heart failure and

prescription diets are tailored for this

condition.

Nutritional deficiencies also lead to

heart diseases and can be treated

by adding supplements.

— DR SAGAR BHONGlE

AMS Pet Speciality,

NIBM Rd., Pune.

9923388110.

General signs of
cardiovascular diseases

Common methods of

diagnosis