Congestive heart failure—also called CHF—is a condition where fluid builds up in your pet's heart, lungs and abdomen as a result of heart disease. Here, our veterinary cardiologists explain what congestive heart failure is, what causes it, how we can monitor for it, and how we treat Boulder and Denver area pets.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to the build-up of fluid within the lungs and body cavities as a result of heart disease. The heart works as a pump to move blood throughout the body, and when heart disease affects the ability to keep moving blood forward, fluid retention typically results.
Usually, this occurs due to elevated pressures on the left side of the heart, which subsequently increase the blood pressure within the vessels in the lung. This leads to the leakage of fluid from the vessels into the airway spaces (this is called pulmonary edema).
This fluid accumulation makes it difficult for animals to breathe. Diseases that lead to enlargement of the left side of the heart place animals at risk for the possibility of CHF and pulmonary edema.
Monitoring for Congestive Heart Failure
Sleeping Respiratory Rate
We recommend you become familiar with your pet’s sleeping respiratory rate (SRR). If your pet’s SRR is elevated they should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Other signs of congestive heart failure include coughing, collapse, lethargy, and decreased appetite. If you notice any of these signs, please contact us immediately.
Chest X-rays
Chest x-rays are often taken to evaluate for the presence of pulmonary edema. If your pet develops signs of heart failure, this test will likely be recommended.
Bloodwork
Some cardiac medications can adversely affect the kidneys. For this reason, it is important to monitor kidney function with blood tests as new medications are introduced or dosage changes are made.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram may also be recommended, based on physical examination findings to assess heart structure and function.
Medications commonly used to treat Congestive Heart Failure
The primary drug used to treat CHF is the careful use of a group of drugs called diuretics.
These drugs cause the kidneys to excrete salt from the body which in turn causes water loss through the kidneys (into the urine), resulting in a reduction in the overall body water and blood volume. This lowers the pressure in the vessels in the lung, thereby decreasing the formation of heart failure fluid.
A group of drugs called ACE inhibitors are also prescribed which improve the body’s ability to reduce salt and water retention, to reduce high blood pressure and to limit the effect of hormones that negatively affect the heart.
Although these medications will help alleviate fluid accumulation and improve symptoms, they can affect the kidneys and their function, and overzealous use can lead to dehydration and electrolyte (like salt) imbalances. This can cause lethargy, vomiting and loss of appetite. Therefore, it is important to monitor patients on diuretics and ACE inhibitors with blood tests to monitor kidney function and electrolytes.
Pets diagnosed with CHF may ultimately be placed on multiple medications, and careful monitoring is required to minimize adverse effects.
It is important that pets receive the medications as directed, and frequent follow-ups are required to ensure that the medications are controlling the CHF without causing side effects.
Some of the medications our cardiologists prescribe to help treat CHF include:
Furosemide (Lasix)
Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat heart failure by removing fluid from the lungs. If your pet starts vomiting, develops diarrhea, or stops eating while receiving this medication, please contact us immediately.
Enalapril or Benazepril
These medications are called ACE inhibitors and are used to help furosemide work more effectively. If your pet starts vomiting, develops diarrhea, or stops eating while receiving this medication, please contact us immediately.
Pimobendan (Vetmedin)
Pimobendan is a medication that helps the heart pump better. Side effects are rare with this medication, but some dogs develop diarrhea. If you notice any abnormal signs after starting this medication, please contact us.
Fortunately, most dogs feel good as long as their congestive heart failure is controlled. We will work closely with you and your family veterinarian to ensure that your dog gets the best care possible.