Heart disease is one of the most common ailments in our four-legged friends—both dogs and cats. It can have various causes: congenital, acquired, degenerative, or metabolic. Early diagnosis of heart disease is crucial to slowing its progression, improving the pet's quality of life, and avoiding serious complications.
Heart disease in dogs
The most common heart disease in dogs is degenerative mitral valve disease (MMVD) . It primarily affects small and medium-sized breeds, such as the dachshund, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Yorkshire Terrier. In MMVD, the mitral valve leaflets gradually thicken and degenerate, leading to regurgitation. This results in a heart murmur and, in the long term, congestive heart failure (CHF). The disease progresses slowly, and changes in the heart may not be detected until years later. A serious, sudden complication is chordal rupture, which can lead to acute heart failure.
Another significant disease in dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) , which causes enlargement of the heart chambers and impaired heart function. It is more common in large and giant breeds, such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Boxers, as well as some Spaniels. Clinical symptoms of DCM include weakness, rapid fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath, fainting, and swelling, and in advanced stages, congestive heart failure.
Heart disease in cats
The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) . It is characterized by thickening of the left ventricle and impaired diastolic function. HCM can lead to heart failure, atrial clots, and sudden death. Breeds predisposed to HCM include Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Persians, Devon Rex, and Scottish Folds. Symptoms can be subtle, including fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, sudden fainting, and in severe cases, fluid in the chest or swelling.
Less commonly, cats are at risk for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) , usually related to dietary taurine deficiency, as well as congenital heart defects and valvular disease.
Diet – a key element of heart support
For animals with heart disease, it's crucial to maintain a healthy body weight and condition, and to prevent cardiac cachexia , or the loss of muscle mass. In the early stages of the disease, it's important to provide a nutritious, balanced diet.
Complete foods with highly digestible freeze-dried protein are particularly helpful , as they are easily digested and support the maintenance of muscle mass. Furthermore, the high palatability of such foods helps maintain appetite in animals that may lose their appetite due to heart disease.
It is also important to monitor other components of the diet and limit treats or human food – ideally, they should not exceed 10% of the daily calorie requirement.
Dietary recommendations for animals with heart disease
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Calories: Ensure adequate intake to maintain body weight.
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Protein: high quality and digestible, supports muscle mass.
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Fat: source of energy; omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and antiarrhythmic properties; MCTs (medium chain fatty acids) can be an alternative energy source for the heart.
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Sodium: dietary control depending on the stage of the disease.
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Potassium and magnesium: monitoring and supplementation in case of deficiencies.
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Taurine: supplementation beneficial in dogs and cats with taurine deficiency or heart disease.
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Antioxidants (vitamin E, A, selenium): protect cells from oxidative stress.
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B vitamins: helpful in animals using diuretics.
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Carnitine: supports the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria, regulates calcium and supports the cardiac endothelium.
Monitoring and owner care
Owners can actively support their pets' heart health by monitoring several important aspects daily. Pay attention to their resting breathing rate and effort, monitor their appetite and food intake, monitor their weight and muscle mass, and observe their activity level and willingness to exercise. Regular monitoring of these parameters allows them to quickly spot any alarming changes and respond promptly by contacting their veterinarian.
With early diagnosis, proper nutrition and ongoing monitoring, many dogs and cats with heart disease can lead comfortable lives for many years before symptoms of advanced heart failure appear.
