How to Cure Dog Heart Disease

" If you want to cure Dog Heart Disease, it first involves determining the specific cause of any canine heart failure and cardiac myopathies. Conditions are either referred to as being congenital (inherited) or are acquired with age and predisposing factors. Factors in reaching a specific diagnosis include systemic diseases, infections, infestations and dietary problems. Curing canine heart disease in general refers to either the end of a condition or the specific resolution of it. In this discussion we will review specifically the treatment of the canine cardiac problems that is achieved with the help of different modes of treatment such as medication, surgery and supportive care. Since, dog heart diseases are progressive in nature, the chance of achieving complete resolution is practically not possible. Because of this, modes of dog heart treatment are focused on reducing symptoms, enhancing cardiac function and improvement in life style through supportive and critical home care. "

Options to Cure Dog Heart Disease:

Dog heart disease is not a specific condition, but is a group of various conditions which affects the normal functioning of cardiac features in a dog's body. These conditions may be either congenital or are acquired in middle or old age. Different conditions such as microbial infections, parasitic infestations, dietary problems, obesity and other systemic diseases can end up causing a severe heart problem.

Picture Dog with Heart Disease

Dog heart disease in general is characterized by either dog congestive heart failure, cardiac myopathies or progressive loss of heart function. Dog heart diseases are treated in different ways, including the use of medication, surgery, supportive therapies, critical management and care at home. The effective curing of dog heart diseases requires a combination of different available treatment options. None of these options can cure dog heart diseases individually and strict monitoring along with treatment is the key to achieving effective results.

Since, dog heart diseases are progressive in nature and mostly occur in middle to old age, complete elimination of any underlying conditions or 100% recovery is practically not possible. This is due to the progressive loss of cardiac strength and irreversible degeneration and remodeling that occurs in cardiac tissues. That is why, dogs with heart diseases require life long monitoring, care and preventive medications for living a near to healthy life.

Dog Heart Medicines

The most common and preferred mode of curing dog heart disease is the administration of different types of dog heart medicines. These medicines are specifically produced for cardiac health or are administered in combination with other systemic therapies, in order to reduce symptoms and to enhance immunity and cardiac strength. Groups of therapeutics used as part of a plan to cure dog heart disease include:

• Antibiotics
• Anti-parasitic drugs
• NSAIDs
• Diuretics
• ACE Inhibitors
• Cardiac Tonics
• Glycosides
• Antiarrhythmics
• Anticoagulants
• Venodilators
• Bronchodilators

These and and other various life saving drugs are used for the management of different types of dog heart problems.

All these medications are administered in order to improve canine cardiac function, ventilation, reducing any remodeling or cardiac muscle degeneration and for the strengthening of cardiac features and immunity.

Dog Heart Surgery

Dog heart surgery is another preferred option for curing dog heart disease. This is only practiced when it is necessary and when the life of the patient is threatened, otherwise the achievement of a cure is attempted with dog heart medications and supportive care only.

Different conditions such as parasitic infestations (Dog Heartworm Disease), congestion, transplantation and anatomical deformities are preferably treated with surgery. The administration of dog heart medicines and supportive and critical care in combination with surgery is essential for achieving an effective cure.

Picture Dog Heartworm
Source: American Heartworm Society

Supportive Care for Dog Heart Disease:

Supportive supplements, natural remedies, tonics and various dietary plans are practiced for the successful curing of dog heart diseases. These options are essential, because these approaches enhance cardiac strength, improve immunity and enhance the chances of recovery. Commercially available supplements, remedies and tonics are specially designed and chemically synchronized with the specific treatment and physiology of a dog.

Examples of natural remedies that can be used to supplement specific therapies recommended by a veterinarian include Heart and Circulation Tonic to improve overall heart health and Parasite Dr. for cases of parasitic infection such as heartworm disease. These do not cure dog heart disease, but are formulated  to strengthen the heart before and after treatment.  Consult with your veterinarian regarding any remedies used for a dog heart patient.

Home Care and Routine Management:

In orde to cure dog heart disease, It is proven that without critical care at home, coming close to this goal is not possible. Regular monitoring of heart function at a clinic and the required modification of the day to day routine at home is essential. Dogs with heart diseases should be examined by a veterinarian at least once in a month, and if advanced diagnostic procedures are needed, they be administered. These include blood tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms etc. should be performed.

At home, a dog with a canine heart problem should not be allowed to run, jump and engage in vigorous exercise. The Diet should be modified in consultation with a veterinarian and a dog's weight should be regularly monitored. Since dog heart patients are prone to various other systemic diseases due to weakened immunity, remedies and/or medications should be used regularly for strengthened immunity such as Immunity and Liver Support.

References:

Merck Veterinary Manual (Merck & Co.)

Washington State University - College of Veterinary Medicine