Heart Problems |
| Q: I think my 12 year old cocker spaniel has heart problems because I can feel her heart beating very fast and hard through her chest. She has also slowed down a lot in the past few months. Is their anything that can be done for heart problems in animals? Melanie - Harker Heights A: Melanie, it is possible that your pet is suffering from a heart problem as an increased heart rate and decreased activity can be indicative of heart disease. In addition, if a pet has a really severe heart murmur, it can feel like a pounding through the chest wall. A thorough physical exam can usually key your veterinarian in on whether the heart is having difficulties. If heart disease is suspected, further diagnostic tests such as a heartworm test, chest x-rays, electrocardiogram, and ultrasound can be performed. If a heart problem is indeed diagnosed, there are many good medications available for maintaining animals with this type of disease. Furthermore, there are several prescription diets available for patients with heart disease that can help the symptoms associated with this disease. |
