Artery Inflammation in Dogs

Artery inflammation in dogs is a serious disease where plaque, over time, accumulates in the arteries. These arteries carry the blood to the major organs and other parts of the body and can become quite inflamed due to artery inflammation. This can be also known as peripheral artery disease, and once the arteries become too clogged a blockage can occur, as well as severe inflammation, making it extremely difficult for the arteries to do the job they are supposed to do.

Artery inflammation in dogs can be the result of other diseases as well. Once you take your dog to the veterinarian and get a complete, detailed diagnosis, you will know how to help your companion live a good remainder of his life.

Artery inflammation in dogs, or peripheral artery disease, can have many causes. When the arteries become inflamed or blocked by plaque build-up, they can become inflamed and will need to do more “work” for proper blood output to the many parts of the dog’s body.

Symptoms of peripheral artery disease can vary and may take some time to really notice any. One thing you can do to be proactive in taking care of your dog, especially with inflammation of the arteries, is to take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. When the veterinarian does a complete routine exam, sometimes she can suspect and possibly diagnose any artery inflammation. In addition to regular veterinarian visits, take your dog to the vet if he is showing any of the following symptoms:

• Coughing, especially after exercise
• Night coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fainting or dizziness
• Suppressed appetite
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Disorientation

Types

There are many types of peripheral vascular disease; this disease is very broad and caused by an assortment of underlying health issues and conditions. Types of diseases of this condition affect the following:

• Arteries
• Arterioles
• Veins
• Capillaries
• Venules
• Lymphatics

Inflammation of the arteries in dogs, or peripheral artery disease, is usually acquired over time. Some types are congenital. With the many types of inflammation of the arteries, including congenital defects of the cardiovascular system, the causes will vary. Causes can include:

• Congenital defects
• Injury
• Aging
• Fatty diet
• Infection

Diagnosis of inflammation of the arteries is difficult to do. This is because the symptoms are vague and the artery inflammation can affect so many parts of the body. It can also be paired with an underlying disorder. The veterinarian will perform several tests, such as blood work, biochemistry profile, and imaging techniques to diagnose this disorder. The veterinarian will be looking for the types of vessels affected, if there is any blockage, or any other inflammation.

Any congenital defects that contribute to inflammation of the arteries, especially in puppies, can be identified by the medical professional by listening to the heart with a stethoscope and then furthering any studies for diagnosis from that point on.

An echocardiogram, or Doppler echocardiogram, will test precisely how the blood is flowing through the heart and arteries. This test will show if there are any abnormalities in the arteries.

Treatment will solely depend on the diagnosis and the specific disorder.  Many heart conditions and diseases can cause inflammation of the arteries in dogs. Depending on the cause of this disorder, the veterinarian will need to consider treatment for that disorder, as well as treatment to prevent any more damage or inflammation to the arteries. Treatment will vary and can include:

ACE Inhibitor

This helps reduce the stress on the dog’s heart. If the arteries are inflamed, it will reduce the blood volume and pressure. It will improve the dog’s symptoms, but will not address the underlying condition.

Medications

The veterinarian may prescribe medications depending on what is causing the condition. These can vary, and your veterinarian will decide what is best for your companion. These can include beta blockers, blood thinners, or any other drug that will help your dog’s arteries perform more efficiently.

In many cases of inflammation of the arteries, dogs can continue to live a good life, but lifestyle changes may need to be introduced. Managing this disorder may require regular veterinarian visits, a change in diet, altering any exercise routine, and keeping your pet stress-free.

As far as recovery and management for an underlying disorder which has contributed to the peripheral artery disease, the veterinarian will give you specific instructions for managing that disease as well.

The veterinarian will give you instructions on what you need to do at home for your loved one. If he is elderly and the inflammation is severe, it may be time to keep him as calm and comfortable as possible and simply give him lots of love and attention in his aging years.