Heart examination
Heart testing is an important treatment option for pets and can help save lives. We especially recommend heart testing for patients with symptoms such as:
- Breathing problems.
- Cough.
- Decreased activity.
- Fainting attacks.
When a veterinarian during a normal clinical examination finds a heart murmur, arrhythmia or other symptoms that give rise to suspicion of heart disease.
Table of contents
Which dog breeds are predisposed to heart disease?
Several dog breeds are genetically predisposed to developing certain types of heart disease. Here are some of the breeds that are often associated with an increased risk of heart disease:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These dogs have a high incidence of mitral regurgitation (mitral valve failure), especially in old age. This is a common heart condition in older dogs.
- Boxer: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that is reported to be more common in boxers than any other breed.
- Doberman Pinscher: Dilated cardiomyopathy is also a concern in this breed although it may be less common compared to Boxers.
- Great Dane: Great Danes are prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart muscle and can lead to impaired heart function.
- Irish Wolfhound: Dilated cardiomyopathy has been observed in Irish Wolfhounds and there is a known genetic predisposition in this breed.
- American Cocker Spaniel: These breeds may be at increased risk for dilated cardiomyopathy.
It is important to note that even though these breeds are predisposed, it does not necessarily mean that all individuals of these breeds will develop heart disease. Environmental factors, lifestyle, nutrition and other genetic factors also play a role.
Which cat breeds are predisposed to heart disease?
Several cat breeds are known to have an increased risk of certain heart diseases. Here are some cat breeds that are predisposed to developing heart disease:
- Maine Coons: Maine Coon cats are known to have an increased risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common heart disease in cats. It is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, which can affect the heart's pumping function.
- Ragdoll: Ragdoll cats also have an increased risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and this condition is a major concern within this breed.
- British Shorthair: British Shorthair cats can be prone to cardiomyopathy and other heart conditions.
- Sphynx: Sphynx cats have a known predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Persians: Some studies have suggested an increased risk of cardiomyopathy in Persian cats.
- Norwegian forest cat: This breed has also been reported to be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Siamese: Siamese cats may have an increased risk of cardiomyopathy compared to some other breeds.
It is important to note that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not limited to specific breeds and can occur in all cats regardless of breed. However, there appears to be a hereditary component in many cases.
In addition, it is not unusual for the heart disease to afflict older dogs of small breeds and cats with a high metabolism.
How is a heart examination carried out?
We perform a thorough clinical general examination with a focus on auscultation of the heart and lungs. We then perform an ultrasound examination of the heart and an electrocardiographic examination (ECG) and, if necessary, a chest X-ray.
Ultrasound of the heart, usually called echocardiography, is a very important part of cardiac diagnostics.
We can assess the structure of the heart with many details – heart chambers, main arteries and valves in the heart – and how the heart works.
Heart diseases that we can detect with ultrasound are, for example:
- Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Congenital heart defects (persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA), mitral valve/tricuspid valve dysplasia, aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis) and others.
We usually do not use anesthesia to examine the heart with ultrasound, but some pets that are very stressed, fearful, or aggressive need sedation or anesthesia before the examination.
Definition of the various heart diseases we can detect with ultrasound
- Mitral valve failure (Mitral insufficiency): Ultrasound can show leakage of blood through the mitral valve which is common in older dogs and some cats.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): A condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, especially in the left ventricle. It is commonly seen in cats, especially breeds such as the Maine Coon and Ragdoll.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): A condition in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened. It can affect dogs, especially breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Boxers.
- Aortic stenosis: A narrowing of the outflow tract from the left ventricle to the aorta that can affect both dogs and cats.
- Persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA): A congenital heart defect in which an important arterial connection (ductus arteriosus) does not close after birth. It is often seen in puppies and kittens.
- Endocarditis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) that can affect heart valves. This can be detected by observing changes in valve morphology and function.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, the outer membrane that surrounds the heart. Ultrasound can help show the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity.
Example of one of the most common heart diseases
What is mitral valve failure (mitral insufficiency)?
The heart valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle is called the mitral valve. Normally, this valve prevents the backflow of blood back into the left atrium. When backflow occurs, we have mitral valve insufficiency.
The purpose of the mitral valve is to regulate the direction of blood flow by preventing backflow into the left atrium during heart contraction. However, problems can occur when the mitral valve does not perform its function properly. This phenomenon, known as mitral valve regurgitation, occurs when the valve allows abnormal backflow of blood.
Causes of mitral valve failure
Mitral valve insufficiency in dogs also known as degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) or myxomatous mitral valve disease is a common heart condition in older dogs especially small breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund and Chihuahua. Here are some of the causes of mitral valve insufficiency in dogs:
Genetic factors
Some breeds are genetically predisposed to mitral valve insufficiency. This means that the disease can be inherited and dogs of certain breeds may be more susceptible.
Aging
Mitral valve regurgitation is commonly associated with aging in dogs. Older dogs, especially those over the age of seven, are at increased risk of developing this condition.
Valvular degeneration
As in humans, the valves in the heart of dogs can degenerate over time. This can lead to a loss of elasticity and tightness in the mitral valve.
Cardiomyopathy
Some dogs can develop cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged. This can affect the function of the mitral valve.
Acquired valvular diseases
Infections or inflammation in the heart can lead to damage to the mitral valve and result in mitral valve regurgitation.
Malnutrition
The diet of the dog can also play a role in the development of heart disease. Lack of nutrients or an improperly balanced diet can affect heart health.
Symptoms of mitral valve insufficiency
It is important to note that mitral valve regurgitation in dogs often develops gradually and early stages may be asymptomatic. Symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, decreased stamina, and difficulty breathing may manifest as the condition progresses.
Treatment
The treatment of mitral valve regurgitation in dogs usually focuses on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life and prolonging the life of the animal.
It is important to note that treatment will vary from dog to dog depending on the severity of the mitral valve regurgitation and any other underlying conditions. Regular follow-up with your veterinarian is necessary to adjust the treatment plan as needed and monitor your dog's response to treatment. Dogs with mitral valve regurgitation often require lifelong treatment and care to maintain the best possible quality of life.
Long-term prospects
It is important to understand that mitral valve regurgitation is a chronic condition and treatment often focuses on improving quality of life and controlling symptoms. Veterinarians will tailor the treatment plan based on your dog’s individual needs and response over time. Frequent veterinary checkups and close monitoring are essential to tailor treatment and manage any changes in your dog’s condition. Despite the challenges, many dogs with mitral valve regurgitation can live active and fulfilling lives with proper care.
ECG examination
ECG is recommended in patients who have rhythm disturbances found during auscultation of the heart or have a history of fainting spells or problems with physical activity. The EKG helps to find out different types of rhythm disturbances and to plan further diagnostics and treatment.
X-ray diagnostics
Chest X-rays provide information about the size of the heart and lung function. The heart can become larger than normal in some heart diseases. Pulmonary edema (water in the lungs) can eventually develop secondary to the heart disease and can be seen on the X-ray.
Holter – EKG
Sometimes we want to record the heart rhythm over a longer period of time. We then use Holter-ECG which allows us to record the heart rhythm over, for example, a day. We install the equipment at the clinic and a special vest is used that the dog wears. The owner receives thorough information about the activity level and a diary of the activities is kept. The cardiologist then reads the recording that has been made and assesses whether treatment should be initiated.
Blood pressure measurement
Blood pressure measurement is often used in the evaluation of heart patients together with the other examinations mentioned above. A special cuff connected to the blood pressure monitor is placed around the dog's/cat's paw or tail. The veterinarian will record the measurements and take them into account when prescribing treatment, e.g. whether blood pressure-lowering medication is needed.
Heart examination before breeding
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed of dog that is more prone to heart disease and it is recommended to perform a heart examination before the dog is used for breeding. The breed is currently prohibited from breeding. It is planned to cross the breed with another breed from 2024 and then it is desirable to continue the heart examinations.
Veterinarian Elisabeth is approved to carry out these examinations on dogs. Therefore, as a breeder, you can order a cardiac examination of your Cavalier with us before it is used in breeding.
Veterinarian Magda has special expertise in heart diseases and cardiac examination.
Do you want to book an appointment or do you have any questions about your dog's health? Get in touch on tel.: 33139840 or post@a-vet.no. You can also book an appointment with us easily online.
Does the dog or cat have to fast before the examination?
Fasting is usually not necessary. If your dog or cat becomes very stressed at the vet, it may be a good idea to only give half a breakfast before 8 am in case a light anesthetic is needed. Please let us know about this when making the appointment as in rare cases it may be appropriate to give a sedative at home before the examination.
Preparation before the heart examination
Monitor your breathing rate
In the days before the consultation, it is good if you can count the breathing rate for a couple of days when the dog/cat is sleeping. This is done by counting the number of breaths per minute. Use a watch with a second hand or a suitable app on your smartphone (Cardialis, heart 2 heart).
The easiest way is to look at how many times your stomach rises and falls in one minute.
It is also nice if you can think about whether your dog/cat has a reduced level of activity, an abnormal cough or a changed breathing pattern.
How much does a heart examination at a veterinarian cost?
The price of a heart examination for a dog or cat depends on how much is to be done. A guide price can be obtained from our reception and you will receive a price estimate after an initial consultation. Sometimes further examinations such as blood tests and X-ray diagnostics are needed. The veterinarian will discuss this with you in advance. Price estimates are signed digitally or at our reception.
