What is conjestive heart failure in dogs?

[Blondoguy]

Is it life threatening?

[Lardiver]

time to get your dog stuffed if you plan on keeping it.

[Lt Weasel1225]

Congestive heart failure (CHF), or heart failure, is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to the body's other organs. This can result from narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle — coronary artery diseasepast heart attack, or myocardial infarction, with scar tissue that interferes with the heart muscle's normal workhigh blood pressureheart valve disease due to past rheumatic fever or other causesprimary disease of the heart muscle itself, called cardiomyopathy.heart defects present at birth — congenital heart defects.infection of the heart valves and/or heart muscle itself — endocarditis and/or myocarditisThe "failing" heart keeps working but not as efficiently as it should. People with heart failure can't exert themselves because they become short of breath and tired.As blood flow out of the heart slows, blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing congestion in the tissues. Often swelling (edema) results. Most often there's swelling in the legs and ankles, but it can happen in other parts of the body, too. Sometimes fluid collects in the lungs and interferes with breathing, causing shortness of breath, especially when a person is lying down.Heart failure also affects the kidneys' ability to dispose of sodium and water. The retained water increases the edema.How do you diagnose and treat congestive heart failure?Your doctor is the best person to make the diagnosis. The most common signs of congestive heart failure are swollen legs or ankles or difficulty breathing. Another symptom is weight gain when fluid builds up.CHF usually requires a treatment program ofrestproper dietmodified daily activitiesdrugs such asACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitorsbeta blockersdigitalisdiureticsvasodilatorsVarious drugs are used to treat congestive heart failure. They perform different functions. ACE inhibitors and vasodilators expand blood vessels and decrease resistance. This allows blood to flow more easily and makes the heart's work easier or more efficient. Beta blockers can improve how well the heart's left lower chamber (left ventricle) pumps. Digitalis increases the pumping action of the heart, while diuretics help the body eliminate excess salt and water.When a specific cause of congestive heart failure is discovered, it should be treated or, if possible, corrected. For example, some cases of congestive heart failure can be treated by treating high blood pressure. If the heart failure is caused by an abnormal heart valve, the valve can be surgically replaced.If the heart becomes so damaged that it can't be repaired, a more drastic approach should be considered. A heart transplant could be an option.Most people with mild and moderate congestive heart failure can be treated. Proper medical supervision can prevent them from becoming invalids. Hope this helps, I saw a chihuahua that was 22 years old be put down due to this. :(

[tzafed10]

CHF in dogs is serious, but without knowing your dog's individual case, iy is difficult to be too specific. The vet can give meds to treat it and in some cases, surgery can be done to improve the dog's condition, if the dog is healthy enough to undergo this. Maybe your dog could be taken to see a canine cardiologist who specializes in dog's heart problems to be sure that everything possible is being done to help your dog. I hope for all the best for you and your dog. And remember, if you are not satisfied that all that is possible is being done for your dog, don't be afraid to go to a different vet. Some vets are more knwledgeable than others about certain conditions. With the right treatment, you and your dog could still have some good times together, even though he will probably have to rest more than usual.