If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart disease such as congestive heart failure (CHF), myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), here’s helpful info about treatment options, the conditions, common signs, and resources to help you and your dog navigate this journey.
The treatment options for the heart diseases MMVD and DCM depend on your dog’s current stage of disease. See the chart below for more information on which product is appropriate to use during each stage.
This chart shows how dogs may progress through the stages of MMVD into congestive heart failure, including when clinical signs become visible. It also includes the recommended steps or treatments for each stage of the disease.
Educate yourself on the ins and outs of heart diseases like MMVD and DCM and how they can lead to congestive heart failure in dogs.
Certain Types of Heart Disease Can Lead to Heart Failure
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Acquired heart disease is most often manifested in 2 ways: valve disease and cardiomyopathy. Both forms of heart disease can lead to heart failure.
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs
In dogs with this type of heart disease, the valves become distorted and no longer close properly.Your veterinarian can hear backward blood flow, called a heart murmur, with a stethoscope.MMVD is most commonly seen in small and medium-sized breeds and progresses slowly.MMVD is also known as mitral valve insufficiency or mitral regurgitation and is often associated with a heart murmur.Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs
Disease of the heart muscle causes the walls of the heart to stretch and thin, weakening as the heart enlarges.Because the heart is weakened, it can no longer pump blood effectively.Myocardial disease most often affects large breeds and progresses rapidly.Both of these forms of heart disease can lead to heart failure.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure?
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Once in failure, the dog can no longer compensate for the progressively ineffective heart, leading to a poorer quality of life and, without intervention, a poor prognosis.
Dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure should begin treatment upon diagnosis. While treatment will not cure the underlying causes of heart failure, it can increase survival time as well as improve the quality of your pet’s life.2,4
When a dog’s heart disease progresses to congestive heart failure, you may notice these clinical signs. If you see these signs in your dog, contact your vet. With proper treatment, many dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure go on to enjoy an improved quality of life.
Coughing
Coughing that’s due to congestive heart failure typically becomes persistent, including when resting or sleeping.
Difficulty breathing
Fluid may begin to accumulate in the lungs, which can cause difficulty breathing without strenuous or even moderate activity.
Changes in behavior
You may notice excessive panting, not being as eager to play, or other changes in behavior that feel out of character.
Lethargy
Dogs with congestive heart failure may tire more easily and be less willing to go on walks or play.
Restlessness, especially at night
Some dogs may pace before bedtime, have challenges settling down, or excessively cough while sleeping.
Changes in appetite
In combination with these other signs, a decrease in appetite could be a sign of congestive heart failure in your dog.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Adverse reactions not related to disease progression in dogs receiving VETMEDIN?-CA1 (pimobendan) included diarrhea, vomiting, pain, lameness, arthritis, urinary tract infection, and seizure. The safe use of VETMEDIN-CA1 has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months of age dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or lactating dogs. It is a violation of Federal law to use this product other than as directed in the labeling. Conditionally approved by FDA pending a full demonstration of effectiveness under application number 141-556. For more information, see full prescribing information or visit VETMEDINCA1.com.
VETMEDIN? (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets and VETMEDIN? Solution (pimobendan oral solution) are for use in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure only. The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. VETMEDIN should not be given in case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons. For more information, see full prescribing information for Chewable Tablets, or full prescribing information for Solution.
