Common Canine Heart Conditions: Croney Research Group
Heart disease (or cardiac disease) is an umbrella term for abnormalities of the heart’s structure or function. Approximately 1 in 10 dogs will experience heart disease in their lifetime. This handout reviews some of the most common heart conditions and the breeds most at risk of developing them. Some heart conditions are present at birth (congenital), some are hereditary, and others are associated with aging or have a late-life onset.
What the healthy heart does
The job of the heart is to move blood throughout the body. The heart has four chambers and valves that take in blood from the body and pump it to the lungs and other organs. Veins and arteries assist with moving blood to and from the heart. The heartbeat is the sound of the body pumping blood.
Auscultation: Listening with a stethoscope
Signs of Heart Disease
Your veterinarian may observe abnormalities (such as an irregular heartbeat) during a yearly physical exam, when they listen to your dog’s heart with a stethoscope. If heart disease is suspected, your dog may need additional tests, such as x-rays, an ECG, or an echocardiogram (ultrasound). They may check your dog’s blood pressure, run blood tests to test hormone levels associated with heart functioning, or may check your dog for heartworms.
You may notice signs of heart disease such as fatigue, coughing, restlessness, and difficulty breathing. If you see these signs, reach out to your veterinarian immediately.
Treatment of Heart Disease
Some heart conditions, especially when diagnosed in puppies, can be treated with surgery. Most adult-onset heart conditions will require life-long, daily medications. Medications support the functioning of the heart and prevent progression to heart failure.
Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
A common form of heart disease in dogs where weakened heart muscles do not correctly pump blood in and out of the heart. The walls of the heart thin, and the heart enlarges. DCM can be genetic, but improper diet can also increase the risk.
Breeds at risk include: Large breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Cocker Spaniels and Boxers
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
MVD is when the valves of the heart are weakened, causing blood to leak into the heart instead of traveling to the body. MVD can lead to congestive heart failure. It is often diagnosed in middle-aged or older dogs.
Breeds at risk include: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds and Miniature Poodles
Subaortic stenosis (SAS) and pulmonic stenosis (PS)
Stenosis is when areas around the vessels of the heart are narrowed, forcing the heart to work harder to move blood. SAS affects the aortic valve, and PS is caused by abnormalities near the pulmonary artery.
Breeds at risk of SAS include: Bullmastiffs, Newfoundlands, Boxers, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers
Breeds at risk of PS include: Bulldogs, terriers, Samoyeds, Labrador Retrievers
Pericardial effusion
Pericardial effusion is more often observed in older, male dogs. Pericardial effusion occurs when a sac around the heart (known as the pericardium) accumulates an excessive amount of fluid. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. In some cases, pericardial effusion can cause sudden death.
Breeds at risk include: Boston Terriers, Boxers, French Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees and Weimaraners
How can I help the dogs in my breeding program?
Screen your breeding dogs for heart disease, especially breeds at higher risk. During your dogs’ yearly physical exams, your veterinarian can let you know if your dogs need further testing by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist.
Locate a cardiologist near you: https://www.vetspecialists.com/find-a-specialist. We strongly encourage all breeders to register the results of their cardiac exams with OFA.
Your veterinarian can help you make breeding decisions based on your dog’s test results. The goal is to reduce the risk of passing on serious cardiac conditions to puppies and your future breeding dogs.
Information about OFA screening https://ofa.org/diseases/cardiac-disease/
Heart disease statistics by breed (OFA): ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/
Topic(s): Bare Bones Basics, Breeder Resource, Health, Reproductive Healthcare, Veterinary Care