Canine heart disease affects millions of dogs, with prevalence increasing with age. Understanding the signs, treatment options, and welfare implications helps owners provide the best possible care.
Canine heart disease welfare spans a spectrum from asymptomatic disease detected incidentally to congestive heart failure causing severe respiratory distress. The welfare priority at each stage differs: in early disease, monitoring and prevention of progression; in advanced disease, symptomatic management of breathlessness, fatigue, and fluid accumulation. Pimobendan, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and spironolactone form the core of modern heart failure management — these drugs have significantly extended comfortable life in dogs with MMVD. Breathlessness is a particularly distressing symptom from a welfare perspective; aggressive diuretic management to maintain respiratory comfort is a welfare priority. End-of-life decision-making in heart disease is challenging because deterioration can be rapid — establishing advance care preferences with owners helps prevent suffering during acute crises.