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Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) in Dogs
What is Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided)?
Congestive heart failure (left-sided) in dogs is known as subaortic stenosis (SAS). This condition distresses the heart’s left side, with the opening in the middle of the left ventricle and an aorta that is too narrow, resulting in the harder, overworked left ventricle forcing the blood through this abnormally narrow area to flow into the aorta. The blood must then move forward throughout the rest of the body. The extra workload of the left ventricle is too much for it to handle over time. This condition results in an obstruction of proper flowing blood throughout the heart. Congestive heart failure (left-sided) in dogs can range from a mild to severely narrowed opening.
Congestive Heart Failure (left-sided) in dogs occurs when the heart’s left side is functioning abnormally. The left ventricle, due to a very narrow opening between the ventricle and the aorta, has a higher workload than normal.
Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) Average Cost
From 42 quotes ranging from $800 - $8,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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Symptoms of Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) in Dogs
When a dog has subaortic stenosis, he will exhibit the following symptoms. Some of the symptoms may be mild and some of them quite severe. Symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Fainting
- Poor growth
- Weakness
- Intolerance to exercise
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
- Sudden death (in severe cases)
Types
Subaortic stenosis is one of the most common inherited heart defects found in puppies. Types of puppies that show a higher risk of having this condition at birth are:
- Golden Retrievers
- Newfoundlands
- Rottweilers
Causes of Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) in Dogs
Subaortic stenosis is genetic. It can appear puppies or within the first year of life; puppies with this condition should not be bred.
Diagnosis of Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) in Dogs
In order to diagnose a congenital heart condition, or heart failure, such as subaortic stenosis, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination. This includes basic tests in the beginning, such as blood work, urinalysis, biochemistry profile, and the general listening of the heart via stethoscope.
After listening to explain the dog’s symptoms, he will then begin to focus on the condition of the heart. By listening to the heart he will tune into any irregular heartbeats and murmurs. He will order chest x-rays to be done, especially if the dog is having difficulty breathing. Chest x-rays may reveal a buildup of fluid in the most severe situation.
The medical professional will want to perform an electrocardiogram to look at the functionality of the heart in the electrical impulses. Abnormal heart rhythm will also be looked at. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that will also be performed to give the veterinarian even more information. This cardiac ultrasound is the ideal test for this condition because it shows the inside of the heart as it is working. The veterinarian will be able to view the valve function, the blood flow, the quality of blood flow, and any obstruction to the flow of blood. There is even another exam, the Doppler ultrasound, that will measure the blood’s flow and direction as it goes in and out of the heart.
Treatment of Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) in Dogs
Treatment may not be required if your dog’s condition is very mild. This condition can become worse as the dog gets older and his body becomes larger. Treatment for this condition includes:
Medication
The veterinarian may prescribe Beta Blockers because these drugs help the heart by maintaining a lower workload upon the organ. Beta Blockers keep the heart from rapidly beating and also control any irregular heartbeats.
Lifestyle Management
Dogs with moderate to severe subaortic stenosis need to have their exercise and other exertive activity controlled. Any intense exertion or sudden and prolonged movements may cause the dog to collapse, faint, and in worst cases death may occur.
Surgery
There are a few surgical procedures that may help lessen the condition, such as a balloon catheterization; however, these surgeries are still being studied and their definitive success is variable at this time.
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Recovery of Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) in Dogs
Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions to follow on any routines and medications you need to administer to give your dog the best care at home. The medical professional will also explain to you what you need to watch for in terms of sudden symptoms that require emergency care. In terms of administering medication, it is important to follow the instructions the veterinarian provided and to also watch for any side effects that can occur with these medications. Every dog is different, as is every diagnosis. Your veterinarian will be the one to give you an accurate prognosis for your dog’s future. In addition to any medications, a lot of love, affection, dedication, and care can work wonders for your dog’s well-being.
Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) Average Cost
From 42 quotes ranging from $800 - $8,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Top
Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Chihuahua mix breed
Mikki mouse 2
11 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss, Trouble Walking
Our elderly 11.5 year old Chihuahua mikki was diagnosed with severe left side heart failure. She's on elanapril&vetmedi . at 1st she put on healthy weight going from 6lbs to almost 7lbs. she looked good! But recently I noticed upon excitement when her papa comes home she get wobbly on her legs or stumbles around like she's drunk.is that from her heart condition? Secondly I just noticed she's lost weight. Her backbone is noticeable. not bad or alarmingly protruding, but is a parent she's lost a bit of weight. She eats like a pig lol lol but I think I need to cook for her. I'm capable of doing this for mikki. What teeth she's got left are bad so I need to cook soft food. Could you recommend a site thday give recipes for soft foods and tiny crunchy treats for an elderly Chihuahua with left side heart failure? Tysm-yvette, mikkis' momma
Jan. 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without examining Mikki mouse, I can't recommend a diet, but there is a commercial food available for heart disease. Hill's H/D is available in a canned formula, and she may be able to eat that and enjoy it. She should have an exam with her veterinarian if she seems to be losing weight and having moments where he is unsteady on her feet to make sure that she doesn't need additional medications. I hope that she is okay.
Jan. 13, 2018
Dr Michele king dvm: tysm for your answer! As mikki is elderly I'm going to have her seen by her vet, the Dr that diagnosed her severe left side heart failure.back in April 2017 when mikki was diagnosed Dr was shocked she wasn't having any symptoms at all! No coughing&gagging that goes with LSHF, not a single symptom at that time.It was hard to believe mikkis heart is so bad that she CAN'T have dental surgery to remove a few chronically repetitive abcessing teeth. Dr said mikkis heart is so bad she's not willing to do dental surgery UNLESS mikki isin so much pain its surgery or pts. then&only then would Dr do dental surgery. Mikki had been on post dosing with anti-robe 1 week on&2 weeks off.i have ordered through her vet, the dry ROYAL CANIN for elderly dogs with the LSHF. Dr also recommended the HILLS H/D in small can. mmy other long time vet may be able to recommend ingredients/ recipe for a heart failure doet for mikki. I've been sharing this site evry chance I get because I find it VERY HELPFUL! YVETTE
Jan. 14, 2018
Mikki mouse 2's Owner
My vet said that the diuretics required to reduce the fluid buildup will also flush potassium more quickly from the body. This could cause weakness in the legs. At the vet's recommendation we supplement our boy with a product called "Nosalt" which is a potassium salt. It seems to really help with his instability. Maybe ask your vet about it.
May 31, 2018
Danielle
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Chihuahua
lilbit
8 Years 10 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
No
needs better treatment.
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
At present, Lilbit is on standard treatment for a dog with heart failure; any additional treatment would need to be considered after a physical examination and additional tests. If you are not happy with the treatment Lilbit is currently receiving you would need to get a second opinion from another Veterinarian in your area or a Cardiologist. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Heart Failure, Congestive (Left-Sided) Average Cost
From 42 quotes ranging from $800 - $8,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
