Boston Terrier Enlarged Heart
If you have a Boston terrier that is older, you may be wondering how to diagnose an enlarged heart. These enlarged hearts are usually the result of genetic deterioration of the heart valves. During an annual exam, your veterinarian will check the heart for signs of heart disease. If the heart murmur is heard, it is best to schedule an appointment for a full physical. Then, a doctor can prescribe medications to slow down the degeneration. This condition will require annual tests so that your vet can make sure the problem does not return.
An enlarged heart in a Boston terrier can be hard to diagnose because they can’t tell you what’s wrong with them. However, you may notice that your dog is having difficulty exercising or is getting tired more easily than usual. Other signs include coughing, panting, weight loss, and weakness. If your dog displays any of these signs, it may be a sign that the heart is enlarged.
When a dog has a weakened heart, the heart muscle cannot contract properly. This causes blood to accumulate inside the heart, making it inefficient at pumping blood throughout the body. An enlarged heart also makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body, which can impair the function of other organs. This condition is known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A veterinarian will be able to determine if your dog has heart failure by looking for signs such as coughing or a distended abdomen.
An enlarged heart in a Boston terrier is not immediately dangerous, but you should monitor your dog’s heart murmur to determine if it is serious.
A veterinarian will check the heart murmur in a Boston terrier with a physical examination. If you notice an abnormal sound, your veterinarian may recommend an x-ray or an electrocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis. An echocardiogram is also an option, which is an ultrasound of the heart.
Fortunately, there are medications available that will prolong your dog’s life and help prevent any further complications. As with most diseases, the prognosis for enlarged hearts depends on the stage of the disease. Fortunately, with proper medication, the majority of cases do not lead to heart failure. While the outlook is not great for dogs with enlarged hearts, it is certainly possible to prolong your Boston terrier’s life with medication.
The first step in treating an enlarged heart in dogs is to assess whether the problem is due to genetics or an abnormal heart shape. If your dog has the brachycephalic syndrome, the problem is characterized by narrow nostrils and a long soft palate that hangs down into the airway. It may also have a narrowed trachea. This can cause coughing, vomiting, and even fainting.
If the disease is advanced, the symptoms will increase over time.
It is important to visit your veterinarian as early as possible. MVD is progressive, so regular heart exams are a must. To monitor the progress of the condition, your dog will have periodic blood tests and x-rays. A doctor will recommend heart tests every six to twelve months. If you notice a murmur, consult your vet as soon as possible.
The best way to prevent a Boston terrier’s enlarged heart is to provide a nutritionally superior diet. This means your dog should be eating food that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and Taurine. You can also limit the amount of exercise your dog is involved in. If you have a Boston terrier with an enlarged heart, it is best to avoid strenuous activities. If you haven’t done so in a while, you may be unaware of the problem.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that results in an enlarged heart in dogs. If you notice symptoms early enough, your vet will be able to prescribe medication that will control the symptoms. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type in dogs. It generally develops in large-breed male dogs and usually starts after middle age. Symptoms may vary depending on the breed. For older dogs, the condition should be diagnosed as soon as possible.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
