Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

common at night. A swollen abdomen (called ascites) may be noted. Cardiac
arrhythmias can cause weakness and collapse.
The diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy is based on ECG changes showing
cardiac arrhythmias, a chest X-ray showing enlarged heart chambers, and
an echocardiogram showing the characteristic pattern of a failing heart muscle.
Treatment: Treatment is directed at improving the force of the heart muscle,
controlling arrhythmias, and preventing the buildup of fluid in the lungs and
abdomen (see Congestive Heart Failure, page 339). Many dogs benefit from the
addition of taurine and/or carnitine to their diet. The prognosis for long-term
survival is guarded. With excellent medical control, some dogs may live for a
year or more. Death usually occurs as the result of a sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
Some dogs will drop dead without any noticeable signs beforehand.
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM • 335
This dog’s swollen abdomen is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive
heart failure.
All forms of congenital heart disease occur in dogs. The most common defects
are valve malformations (called dysplasias), valve narrowing (stenosis),
abnormal openings between the heart chambers (septal defects), patent ductus
arteriosus, and Tetralogy of Fallot.