Tuesday, November 19, 2013

How Many Canine Congestive Heart Failure Treatments Are Readily Available?

By Geraldine Dimarco


There are probably few words that pet owners dread more than 'canine heart disease'. It will lead to the dog's eventual demise if nothing is done. While there are really no cures for inborn animal heart problems, canine congestive heart failure treatments are available that will help lengthen the lifespan of your dog, as well as improve his quality of life.

First of all, what exactly are canine heart diseases? This is basically when the heart of the dog fails to function properly. The heart is made up of four chambers, each operating together with a set of valves. Heart problems set in when certain parts of the organ cease to work and the rest will have to compensate by exerting more effort. While dogs don't necessarily experience heart attacks, these complications lead to congestive heart failure when left unchecked for too long.

Some indications that your pet is suffering from a canine heart disease are as follows: coughing, fainting, difficulty in breathing, lethargy and grayish gums. Another thing, their blood pressure rises and this in turn causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels. The fluid congests in the tissues and the lungs and abdominals leaving your dog looking like he has a bloated tummy.

Unfortunately, because the symptoms usually seem mild and harmless, the pet owner doesn't sometimes realize that their pet is already suffering from a heart problem. It is vital that you continue to have regular visits to the vet to be able to detect and correctly diagnose any health concern that your pet may have.

If there are some heart problems that your pet has been diagnosed with, do not worry too much. Studies are being made and progressive canine congestive heart failure treatments are continuously being done to find the best ways to improve your dog's condition.

Most likely your options will be medications that will correct defects in the proper functioning of the heart. Specialized drugs focus on fixing the canine's ability to reduce fluid build-up, repairing irregular heartbeats, and increasing the quantity of blood pumped by the heart. For some dogs, surgery is recommended. After an initial rest, resume regular exercise regimens for the dog.

There are also herbal cardio tonic supplements that have been proven valuable in treating dogs with heart diseases. Crateagus oxycantha, Calcium fluoride, Kalium phosphate and Arnica Montana strengthen the arteries and encourage excellent blood pressure. Mistletoe and Valerian root also benefit the canine's cardiovascular health.

A nutritional diet is also integral in your pet's general well-being. A low sodium diet high in nutrients like calcium, vitamin E, taurine, l-carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly geared towards heart health. Put in vegetables like yam, squash, carrots, broccoli and beets together with his regular meals.

Naturally, it breaks our heart to discover a potentially critical sickness our pet might be facing. However, let us continue to look at what can be done, instead of focusing on the problems. You have the opportunity to spend quality years with your beloved pet - make it as memorable as you can.




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