Dog Heart Enlargement Causing Cough and Wheezing: What

Dog cardiomyopathy refers to the enlargement of the heart, a condition that can arise from various causes, including obesity, heart disease, and hypertension. When the heart becomes enlarged, it can compress the trachea, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be required. Therefore, if a dog is diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, it is crucial to pay attention to daily care and medication to prevent the condition from worsening.

Understanding Dog Cardiomyopathy

1. Causes of Dog Cardiomyopathy

● Congenital Causes

Small dogs are more prone to congenital heart diseases or tracheal issues, such as mitral valve insufficiency, regurgitation, tracheal collapse, or stenosis (common in Pomeranians, for instance). These conditions tend to worsen as the dog ages.

● Acquired Causes

There are numerous and complex acquired factors that can lead to heart enlargement in dogs, including heart diseases resulting from obesity, hypertension, hepatitis, and other conditions. Acquired heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy can also cause this issue.

2. Symptoms of Dog Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy often compresses the trachea, leading to initial symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Dogs may experience rapid breathing, wheezing, and dry coughing during excitement, fear, or after exercise, with many dogs coughing more severely at night.

As the condition progresses, dogs may also exhibit symptoms like decreased appetite, lack of energy, reluctance to exercise, weight loss, and abdominal swelling.

What to Do When Dog Cardiomyopathy Causes Tracheal Compression, Coughing, and Wheezing?

1. Medication Improvement

Cardox (Pimobendan Chewable Tablets): Enhances myocardial contraction, increases cardiac output, and delays heart failure. Administered at a dose of 0.25mg/kg, twice a day.

F5: Reduces blood pressure, alleviates cardiac burden, and prevents heart failure. Given once or twice a day, with one tablet per dose (depending on the dog's weight).

Coenzyme Q10: Supplements heart energy and maintains normal function.

Aminophylline: Can relieve coughing and wheezing and has some diuretic effects.

2. Daily Care

☼ Maintain a light diet for your dog, avoiding highsodium foods and human meals or snacks with strong flavors.

☼ Ensure moderate exercise to promote cardiovascular function, but avoid strenuous activities that could lead to rapid heart rate and fainting.

☼ Provide a quiet and comfortable living environment for your dog, avoiding sudden scares or excessive excitement.

☼ Follow your veterinarian's advice for medication, and do not stop taking medication prematurely as symptoms improve. Pimobendan, for example, requires consistent use to ensure normal heart function, and stopping it too soon could negate the benefits.

☼ Keep a record of your dog's condition and schedule regular followup appointments to adjust the treatment plan.

While dog cardiomyopathy is not a terminal illness, it's important for owners not to lose hope or resort to hasty treatments. With proper medication and attentive daily care, your dog can maintain a good quality of life.