How is a heart problem diagnosed?
It is important for you and your dog to make regular visits to the veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment will ensure your dog leads a happier, healthier, and longer life.
Your veterinarian will follow a series of key steps and use some of the latest
diagnostic tools to distinguish heart disease from respiratory problems.
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Clinical History
- The veterinarian will need to know the age,
breed, and medical history of your dog. He/she will evaluate the onset and type
of cough and may ask about:
- Changes in attitude, behavior, and activity level
- Changes in breathing
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Sleeping habits
- Previous evidence of heart disease
- Previous treatment history
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Physical Examination
- a thorough physical examination will
provide your veterinarian with clues as to whether your dog has any
heart-related problems. He/she will evaluate:
- Weight and body condition
- Breathing rates
- Heart rates
- Pulse rates
- Skin or tissue abnormalities
- Abdominal shape
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Listening to your dog's heart and lungs
- A stethoscope may
allow your veterinarian to determine if a heart murmur is present. (Appreciate
that not all murmurs are easily heard.) Also, the heart rate and rhythm can be
assessed with a stethoscope to determine if there is an irregular heartbeat.
He/she can listen to the lungs to detect abnormal sounds.
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X-rays
- Technically known as radiographs, an x-ray can
help the veterinarian evaluate the size and shape of the heart and assess the
severity of your dog's heart disease.
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Additional tests:
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Blood testing for a cardiac biomarker called NT-proBNP, as well as a
chemistry and complete blood count (CBC) analysis to assess your dog's
cardiovascular health
- A blood pressure test
- An ECG (electrocardiograph)
- An echocardiogram
Click here for more information on diagnostic
tests.