Managing Heart Disease in Senior Pets

Types of Heart Disease

Pets can develop heart disease as they age. This is called acquired heart disease. Dogs are more susceptible to aging changes to their heart valves, and specific breeds (such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, toy poodles, chihuahuas, and Maltese) are at increased risk. Cats are more prone to developing disease of their heart muscle. Both species can develop high blood pressure in old age. Your primary veterinarian plays an important role in screening your pet for heart disease as they get older; if your vet detects a heart murmur, abnormal heart sound, or arrhythmia during examinations they might recommend evaluation by a board-certified cardiology specialist.

Medical Treatment

Some pets will benefit from medications to manage heart disease and high blood pressure. The specific treatments vary depending on the underlying disease process. Most cardiac medications are life-long and important to give on a specific schedule . As a pet’s disease progresses, medication doses may be increased or medications added to help manage symptoms.

Nutrition

It is important for senior pets with heart disease to maintain good body weight. Extra weight puts pressure on the lungs and can make it harder to breathe, whereas low body fat can make it more challenging for pets to ‘bounce back’ if they become sick. Limiting sodium might be beneficial, and most senior diets are moderately restricted in sodium. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce muscle loss, and CoQ-10 and L-carnitine may help with energy production in heart muscle.

Exercise

In most scenarios, we allow our senior pets to set their own pace. Unlike in human patients, who suffer more from coronary artery disease (which dogs do not), following a strict exercise regime or weight loss plan is not typically recommended. Exercise is an important part of quality of life and helps maintain good joint and muscle health and promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract. However, if a senior pet with heart issues would rather be a couch potato that’s OK too! In specific cases (for example pulmonary hypertension – high blood pressure in the lungs), your vet might recommend that your pet avoid strenuous activity or travel to altitude. If your pet was diagnosed with an arrhythmia or is undergoing management of an arrhythmia, exercise restriction may also be recommended.

Anesthesia

In senior pets with significant heart disease, it is often recommended to avoid elective anesthetic procedures that could complicate your pet’s medical management. However, some anesthetic procedures cannot be avoided since senior pets often have other concurrent conditions. If your pet with heart disease requires an anesthetic procedure, your cardiologist will recommend the safest anesthetic protocol individualized for your pet to help mitigate anesthetic risks.

Balancing concurrent conditions and maintaining quality of life

Senior pets with heart disease often have disease in other organs. Some of the medications that help the heart can have negative impacts on other organs such as the kidneys, and it can be challenging to balance concurrent conditions. Your pet’s cardiologist will work with your primary veterinarian to co-manage these conditions as effectively as possible to maintain your pet’s quality of life. The goal of treating senior pets with heart disease is to give them the best quality of life possible for as long as possible. This includes breathing normally, eating well, and enjoying their normal activities and routines.