Do you know what a canine heart murmur is? A canine heart murmur is a cardiac disorder which relates to abnormal activity in the animal’s blood flow. If you listen closely enough, you can hear the sound it makes by listening to your dog’s heart beat. Instead of short, quick beats, it will sound like an extended and soft thudding. Dog heart murmur symptoms include a general weakening, lethargy, difficulty in breathing, a bluish mouth and tongue, and in some cases collapsing even in minimal activity.
When you see your pet exhibiting the symptoms of heart murmurs, visit your pet’s doctor immediately. They have to take more thorough diagnostic tests like x-rays and echodiagrams to confirm the heart condition of the animal so there will be no danger in giving incorrect and potentially dangerous medicine.
Dog heart murmurs can be a result of congenital heart defects, anemia, high blood pressure and other related cardiac problems. The murmurs fade through the years so special and preventive heart treatments are more often than not, overlooked by unsuspecting pet owners. Now we know better, we are better prepared to handle this condition as successfully as possible. Here are some dog heart murmur cures you can share with a friend who might need to know.
Treatment of this disorder is often dependent on the animal’s age and current state of health. Take your dog for a check-up to see the exact nature of the disorder. If the murmur is mild, all you may need to do is to create an appropriate nutritional plan that will counteract the whatever lack there is in its system. A diet low in sodium, rich in nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and Coenzyme Q10 have done wonders in improving canine’s cardiovascular health as shown by tests and survey results done by experts.
Medications like Enalapril, Lasix or Benazepril function to lower blood pressure and fortify heart contractions as needed. Crateagus oxycantha or, as it is more commonly known, Hawthorne is a special herbal tonic that encourage the artery health of the dog. Arnica montana, Kalium phosphate, and Calcium fluoride also help in the improvement of the animal’s blood pressure. Make sure you ask your veterinarian for his expert opinion on these elements and how it may possibly affect your dog’s condition.
Other dog heart murmur cures include using prescribed diuretics to keep fluids from building up in the canine’s heart and lungs. However, if your pet has been diagnosed with a more critical condition, surgery may be the only way to repair its cardiovascular disorder as advised by your vet. Usually, these procedures are done for the older dogs and cats who have damaged valves in their hearts.
Do not take animal cardiovascular disorders lightly; or presume that it is something that will go away eventually. If left without attention, it is highly possible that your pet will ultimately develop and expire of a heart failure. Do your best to avoid this at all costs. Bring them to regular check-ups and while they are young, already feed them with the right food and give them proper exercise. A happy dog will leave you with no regrets and a chest full of wonderful memories that will always stay with you.