Heart Disease in dogs and cats

Like people heart disease is very common in older dogs and cats.  However unlike people where the majority of heart disease is caused by damage and blocked arteries (a consequence of our lifestyle!), most heart disease in animals is caused by either "leaky" heart valves or heart muscle disease.

Dogs with heart disease often develop a cough and get tired quickly with exercise.  They may also loose weight and become fussy with their food.

Cats are often seen at the surgery late in the course of heart disease with severe breathing difficulties.  Early signs may be a poor appetite and excessive tiredness.

The Heart
The heart is a four chambered muscular structure lying in the chest which protects it from outside damage.  The heart is basically a large pump which contains four major heart valves, these ensure that blood flows in a forward direction around the body.  The heart responds to an increased need for blood supply to the body by increasing heart rate (such as excercise).

The resting heart rate of a dog depends on the size of the dog, large dogs such as a Great Dane have resting heart beats of around 70 beats per minute.  Smaller dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers have resting heart rates of around 140 - 180 beats per minute.  Cats have a resting heart rate of about 140 beats per minute.