Does My Dog Have a Heart Issue?

Seeing your pet listless and tiring easily can cause concern that an illness is affecting your furry friend. Getting a diagnosis from a veterinarian and implementing a treatment plan can relieve some of your fears. Our team at Desert East Animal Hospital treats a wide variety of pet health issues, including heart issues.

Warning Signs

Our veterinarians in El Paso are trained to look for signs of heart issues that can result in unusual behaviors. Some of the common signs of a heart problem include:

• Coughing: Many times an enlarged heart can press on the airways and cause coughing. A persistent cough that lasts more than a few days could be a sign of an enlarged heart and should be checked by a veterinarian. Another reason for a canine cough could be due to a backup of blood in the lungs. This is a direct result of the heart not pumping efficiently.
• Fainting Spells: When the heart fails to function properly, it could result in a lack of oxygen to the brain. Low blood flow to the brain can lead to fainting. Even exercise can trigger episodes of low oxygen.
• Breathing Difficulties: If you notice your dog is sitting or standing with his legs wide apart and with his neck stretched, this could be a sign that he is experiencing difficulty with breathing. Another sign is rapid breathing or unable to lie down for extended periods.

Diagnosis

Not all of these signs can point to heart disease, but having these issues checked at our local animal hospital can rule out cardiovascular issues. Our veterinary staff in El Paso will run a series of tests:

• Electrocardiograms (ECG)
• Echocardiograms
• Chest X-rays

Get Treatment for Your Dog in El Paso, TX

Many heart issues respond well to treatment when they are detected and treated early. If you have noticed some of the warning signs in your pet or it has been a while since his last checkup, contact Dr. Klein and Dr. Hopp at Desert East Animal Hospital. Call our team today at 915-855-4100 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.