Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs | by AADG, DVM

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) occurs when a dog’s heart can no longer pump blood effectively, causing fluid accumulation in the lungs, abdomen, or tissues. In this article originally written for Honest Paws, Dr. Athena Gaffud, DVM, explores the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of CHF in dogs.

She reviews common causes such as degenerative valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, congenital defects, arrhythmias, hypertension, and heartworm disease. The article outlines hallmark symptoms: persistent coughing, labored breathing, exercise intolerance, abdominal swelling (ascites), fainting, weak pulses, and bluish gums.

Dr. Gaffud describes diagnostic approaches including auscultation, chest radiographs, echocardiography, and blood tests. She then walks through treatment strategies involving diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, positive inotropes, low-sodium diets, lifestyle adjustments, fluid drainage (thoracocentesis/abdominocentesis), and in some cases surgical correction or pacemaker placement. She emphasizes that while CHF is not curable, appropriate therapy and monitoring can prolong quality life.

Throughout the article, she underscores the importance of early detection, regular follow-ups, owner vigilance (especially monitoring respiratory rate), and tailored management plans.

Key Takeaways

1. CHF is a progressive, non-curable but manageable condition in dogs; early diagnosis and intervention matter.

2. Multiple causes contribute — degenerative valve disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital defects, arrhythmias, hypertension, and heartworm disease are all potential culprits.

3. Symptoms reflect fluid overload: coughing, breathing difficulty, abdominal swelling, fainting, exercise intolerance.

4. Diagnostics are essential — imaging, echo, bloodwork, and physical exam guide staging and therapy.

5. Multimodal treatment approach: medications, diet, lifestyle modifications, fluid drainage, and occasionally surgery or devices.

6. Prognosis depends on severity, response, and compliance — regular monitoring and owner involvement are critical to quality of life.

Disclaimer

This article was authored by Dr. Athena Angela D. Gaffud, DVM, as commissioned content for Honest Paws. It is republished here on CountryVetMom.com for educational and portfolio purposes only. All rights and ownership remain with Honest Paws. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not substitute individualized veterinary evaluation or treatment.

Keywords:

immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in dogs, ITP in dogs, autoimmune disease in dogs, low platelet count dog, canine ITP treatment, dog bleeding disorder, Dr. Athena Gaffud, veterinary autoimmune disease, Honest Paws, canine hematology