Companion Animals

Companion Dog Congenital Heart Disease and Monitoring

Congenital and acquired heart disease is common in dogs, and early detection through regular monitoring enables better welfare management.

Key Facts

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an extremely high prevalence of mitral valve disease
Dilated cardiomyopathy affects large breeds including Dobermanns and Irish Wolfhounds
Early-onset heart disease has a strong genetic component in affected breeds
Regular auscultation and cardiac ultrasound enable early intervention
ACE inhibitors can delay progression when started before heart failure

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with undetected or untreated heart disease progressively experience exercise intolerance, breathlessness, and ultimately acute distress during heart failure episodes. Early detection through breed-appropriate screening and intervention significantly improves the quality and length of life for affected dogs.

What You Can Do

Arrange annual cardiac screening for breeds predisposed to heart disease
Ask your vet about cardiac ultrasound for monitoring murmur progression
Choose puppies from breeders screening parents for cardiac conditions