Heart disease, and resulting congestive heart failure (CHF), is common in older pets. Although your pet’s heart has served them well through years of grueling hikes and backyard games of fetch, time takes its toll, and organ failure is a common consequence of aging. If your pet has been diagnosed with CHF, understanding more about the disease may help you manage their condition, and provide them with the best quality of life possible.

What is congestive heart failure?

CHF is a secondary disease, meaning it develops secondary to another disease process. In this case, a primary heart disease, such as valvular degeneration, interferes with efficient blood flow through your pet’s heart, and blood flow slows down. As blood backs up in the vessels leading to the problem site, the vessels become engorged (i.e., congested), fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues, and the accumulating fluid causes problems for your pet. Fluid that accumulates in or around your pet’s lungs can cause breathing problems, while fluid that accumulates in your pet’s abdomen will cause abdominal distension. 

What are congestive heart failure signs?

CHF signs may be related to your pet’s primary heart disease, as well as fluid accumulation related to CHF, and may include:

* Coughing

* Tiring easily, especially during activity

* Decreased appetite and weight loss

* Increased respiratory rate

* Difficulty breathing

* Abdominal distension

Congestive heart failure can develop in any pet with a heart condition. If your pet has been diagnosed with heart disease, your family veterinarian will likely advise you to monitor their breathing and respiratory rate for the first sign of difficulty. 

How is congestive heart failure diagnosed?

Since heart disease signs can be subtle, many pets develop CHF before their primary heart condition is diagnosed. Your family veterinarian can determine whether your pet has CHF with a thorough physical exam, including careful heart and lung auscultation, and chest X-rays. However, determining the underlying heart condition that led to your pet’s CHF is more challenging, and will likely require additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (i.e., ECG, or EKG), blood pressure measurement, blood work, and X-rays. Your family veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary cardiologist for more extensive testing, including a cardiac ultrasound (e.g., echocardiogram) or 24-hour ECG monitoring.

How is congestive heart failure treated?

While many forms of heart disease cannot be cured, most can be managed with prescription medication to help the pet’s heart work more efficiently and allow them to live a normal, active life. A diuretic is also commonly prescribed to help pets eliminate fluid that would otherwise accumulate in their chest or abdomen. 

You will need to administer your pet’s medications at home, following up with your family veterinarian, and possibly a veterinary cardiologist, for regular progress checks and monitoring. Your pet can likely enjoy an active lifestyle while you monitor them for any complications or fluid accumulation signs. If you notice your pet has an increased respiratory rate, difficulty breathing, or other abnormalities, contact your family veterinarian immediately. In many cases, a simple medication adjustment will allow your pet to return to normal activity. 

What is the prognosis for congestive heart failure?

Your pet’s prognosis depends on their CHF severity, as well as their underlying heart disease. CHF cases often can be managed long-term with medications and veterinary monitoring, and your pet can likely live an otherwise healthy, happy life. However, as your pet ages, their disease risk increases, and concurrent disease conditions can complicate CHF management. 

At some point, your pet’s heart failure will likely progress, and they will enter their final days. During this time, you may choose to support your pet with veterinary hospice care. When your pet's quality of life wanes, in-home euthanasia can offer a peaceful, dignified passing. Contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area to discuss these options.