Heart disease can affect any breed of dog or cat. Early diagnosis and treatment can be critical to your pet’s quality of life and life expectancy. Here is a checklist to help determine if your pet is displaying symptoms of heart disease.
Breed Predisposition (Dogs):
___ Boxer ___ Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ___ Miniature Poodle
___ Chihuahua ___ Doberman Pinscher ___ Scottish Deerhound
___ Dachshund ___ Great Dane ___ Whippet
___ Pekinese ___ Irish Wolfhound ___ Miniature Pinscher
Abnormal Heart Structure:
___ Previously diagnosed heart murmur and/or heart enlargement by your veterinarian
Abnormal Respiratory Function:
___ Coughing
___ Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
___ Persistent difficult or laboured breathing
___ Persistent rapid breathing
Abnormal Behavior:
___ Fainting episodes
___ Restlessness, discomfort while sleeping, especially at night
___ Slowing down, reluctance to go for walks
___ Tiring easily
___ Less playful than normal, withdrawn
Other:
___ Weight loss
___ Change in appetite
If you have placed a check mark in three or more of the above signs, your pet may be demonstrating signs of heart disease. This would be the best time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to determine what course of treatment will be best for your pet.
If you have any concerns regarding your pet’s heart condition, please call us at (519) 250-0099.
