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Heart failure

The heart does not pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It is the advanced stage of several heart diseases. It is managed, not cured.

Severe🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT if there is difficulty breathing, severe coughing or fainting. On a non-urgent basis, have any murmur or persistent cough checked.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Coughing (especially in dogs), worse at night or when lying down
  • • Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing
  • • Tiredness, exercise intolerance
  • • Fainting
  • • Swollen abdomen due to fluid
  • • In cats: often only lethargy and rapid breathing

Causes

It is the final consequence of diseases such as mitral valve disease, cardiomyopathies or congenital defects. Age and breed play a role.

Diagnosis

Auscultation, chest X-ray, echocardiography (the key test), electrocardiogram, and sometimes analysis of cardiac markers.

Treatment

Lifelong treatment with several medications (diuretics, drugs that support the heart, vasodilators). With good management, animals can live well for a long time. Crises (pulmonary oedema) are emergencies.

Prevention

Cardiac check-ups in predisposed breeds and in senior animals, early detection of murmurs, and weight control.

When should you see the vet?

URGENT if there is difficulty breathing, severe coughing or fainting. On a non-urgent basis, have any murmur or persistent cough checked.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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