Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs and Cats

Most heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure. This isn’t the heart failing, but instead, it’s the heart becoming overloaded with fluid due to the heart disease. When this happens, the fluid backs up into the lungs (if it is left-sided heart failure from left-sided heart disease) or into the abdomen (if it is right-sided heart failure due to right-sided heart disease). The mitral valve is on the left side, and the tricuspid valve is on the right.

An echocardiogram cannot fully determine if a patient is in heart failure or not. Radiographs and x-rays are needed to fully confirm. X-rays provide a clearer picture of the amount of fluid in the lungs and where the fluid is located, which can help us determine treatments to stabilize and improve the patient’s condition.

Pulmonary Hypertension:
This is not a heart disease but is diagnosed via echocardiogram. Pulmonary hypertension is a buildup of pressure in the right side of the heart from a blockage of blood flow in or around the lungs. When this pressure builds up too much, excess fluid from the right side of the heart is forced to backflow into the abdomen and leak out of the vessels, causing right-sided congestive heart failure. If you notice your pet has a large, fluid-filled abdomen, please take them to an ER ASAP.

The Diagnostics We Utilize at EVS:

• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to see the structures of the heart.
• ECG/EKG: An electrocardiogram looks at the electrical activity within the heart that causes it to function/beat appropriately. “ECG” is the American way of spelling it, while “EKG” is the British/European way.
• Holter Monitor: A take-home ECG/EKG monitor to monitor heart rhythms at home while the patient goes through their daily activities.
• Radiographs/X-rays: We look for heart enlargement and fluid buildup in the lungs. Fluid in the lungs, dilated pulmonary vessels, and an enlarged left atrium are all findings on x-rays that diagnose congestive heart failure in animals.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
CHF can be very difficult to manage. Things to consider when managing CHF:

• Will the patient tolerate taking multiple medications each day?
• Will the owner be able to give the medications every day at the correct time (e.g., every 12 hours, every 8 hours, or every 24 hours)?
• Can the owner afford it? Sadly, medications and follow-up visits can be costly.
• Can the owner emotionally handle the patient going in and out of heart failure?
• Does the pet have a good quality of life? Are they eating, do they have good energy, are they drinking water, and are they using the bathroom? There are several resources that veterinary professionals use to determine if a patient has a good quality of life. If you’re unsure, ask your technician or veterinarian during your appointment.

Remember, the veterinarian and the entire staff at EVS are dedicated to helping your beloved family member. Visits to a specialist can be scary, stressful, and costly. We are here to help and support you and your pet during these difficult and confusing times. Please be mindful of this when communicating with the veterinary team, as we are doing this for not only you but for over 10 pets in one day. This can be taxing, and patience is always appreciated during veterinary visits.