Heart Muscle Disease With DCM the muscles degenerate and begin to wear thin. That thinning decreases the heart's ability to contract and pump blood, and leads to congestive heart failure. DCM in dogs is irreversible but can be controlled through medications available through your board-certified dog cardiologist.
Can a dog recover from heart disease?
Unfortunately, there is generally no cure for heart disease. However, with the right care, it is possible to manage, and most dogs do well with medications and treatment.
How long do dogs live after being diagnosed with heart disease?
Degenerative mitral valve disease is a progressive disease with a slow onset of clinical signs, and many of the affected animals might die of an unrelated diseases. 6 However, once congestive heart failure develops, survival time is expected to be between 6 and 14 months.
Can a dog with heart disease live a normal life?
If caught early enough, pets with heart disease can be treated and often will live for many years after their diagnosis. There are times, however, that the disease is so severe and function is so compromised that a pet's quality of life is no longer satisfactory.
How is heart disease in dogs treated?
Medications to help the heart work and correct irregular heartbeats. Medications to slow fluid build-up in the lungs. Surgery to correct a torn valve or to insert a pacemaker to correct the heart beat. A commercial or prescription low-salt diet to help decrease fluid build-up in your dog's body.
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