All Dog Breeds: It’s About The Dog Heart

It’s About The Dog Heart
================================================================================
admin on 21 April, 2010 10:17:00
 
As your dog ages, certain health issues occur. While arthritis is a common
problem, a more severe worry is the heart. The dog’s cardiovascular system
ages with your dog. While it may remain strong and healthy until the end, some
breeds and some canines suffer from various heart-related problems.
Explaining The Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and the blood vessels. The blood
vessels include the arteries, the arterioles, the capillaries, the venules and
the veins. The heart is the engine of the entire system. It powers the
circulatory system, ensuring blood flows throughout the body.
The Circulatory System delivers inhaled oxygen from the lungs to the
mitochondria. These remove the carbon dioxide from the cell to the lungs. The
system also passes the blood through the kidneys and the liver. The circulatory
system is also responsible for transporting electrolytes, glucose, hormones, and
other important substances throughout the body.
Diseases and Defects
When there is a problem with the cardiovascular system the canine can become ill
and even die. It depends upon the type of problem. Some illnesses and defects
are more severe than others. For some, your vet can provide a cure; for others
he or she can only help improve the quality of life. For still other dogs, there
is no cure from certain kinds of heart diseases.
The 3 most common types of heart diseases and defects are
1.  Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DC). This affects the heart chambers. They enlarge
and the ventricle walls become thin. The heart weakens and over time fails. It
is a common problem for certain large and giant-size dogs. It is also
predominant among males.  Prone breeds include Boxers, Doberman Pinschers,
Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels.  The basic treatment is medication, rest
and diet. The prognosis, however, is not positive. Dogs diagnosed with DC may
live for a year following diagnosis and treatment.
2.  Heart Murmurs. Heart murmurs may be diastolic or systolic in character.
Either type is the result of the failure of a valve to close. A causal factor is
genetic. It  may also be the result of a birth defect. Renal diseases may
contribute to the problem as can such things as heartworms. Treatment of heart
murmurs varies according to the cause or contributing factors.  If the canine
has heartworm, the removal of the parasite will end the problem. If it is
hereditary, the vet will address such things as hypertension. You will need to
make adjustments in lifestyle and diet.
3.  Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) or Mitral Regurgitation.  MVD is associated with
heart murmurs. It involves the degeneration of her valves. They begin to leak
causing health issues. MVD may be the result of an infection of the valves, a
malformed valve present from birth or the response to Dilated Cardiomyopathy.The
disease is more common among small, aging dogs. These include Chihuahuas,
Miniature poodles, Schnauzers and Pinschers, Fox Terriers and Boston Terriers. 
Treatment consists of diuretics, a low-sodium diet and other heart medications.
In severe cases, however, the canine will suffer congestive heart failure.
Conclusion
Your dog may metaphorically have a strong heart. As he or she ages, however, the
heart may weaken. Safe guard against possible problems with a thorough annual
checkup. Talk to your vet about any possible problems related to the breed and
his or her age. While you may not always be able to protect your canine against
heart diseases, you may be able to mitigate the effects.Information provided by
Harry Spears of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our awesome selection of  dog
seat covers online.