Congestive Heart Failure

Dear Dr. Jody:  Brandy, my twelve year old miniature poodle, has recently started coughing.  She seems fine otherwise.  Is it possible she just has a cold?

Just as in humans, a cough in a dog or a cat can be an indication of many different types of illness, and is not specific to any particular disease.  A cough should always be considered serious until your veterinarian has examined your pet and can rule out some of the more important causes of coughing.

If your pet visits such places as dog parks, grooming salons, or boarding facilities, then a diagnosis of kennel cough, or Bordetella, may be considered.  This generally mild, yet highly contagious, respiratory illness of dogs is rarely serious but can cause a persistent  cough for up to two weeks in unvaccinated dogs.  Speak to your veterinarian about vaccinating your dog against Bordetella if you feel she may be at risk.

Unfortunately, small breed senior dogs such as Brandy are particularly predisposed to heart disease.  Although it comes in many forms, a frequent side effect of heart disease is a soft cough that is sometimes accompanied by wheezing or congestion.  Often, owners of affected dogs will report that their pet isn’t able to keep up to them on walks the way she once did.  The dog may seem tired or short of breath for activities she once enthusiastically enjoyed.

There are two main reasons why heart disease can lead to a cough in your dog.  Heart disease in senior pets is often characterized by a leaky valve between two particular chambers in her heart.  Every time the heart beats, most of the blood is pumped “downstream” to the rest of the body the way it should be, however, a defective valve can allow some blood to leak back “upstream” with each beat.  The resulting excess of blood upstream of the heart accumulates in the blood vessels of the lungs and causes fluid to leak into the airways.  Your dog may feel short of breath or even cough when this fluid builds up in her lungs.  Additionally, diseased hearts are often enlarged, and this enlarged heart can push on the trachea, or windpipe, thereby causing a cough.

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and chest x-rays to visualize the heart and lungs.  Some pets may require an echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound, to better characterize the disease.  Both of these tests are non-invasive and painless.

The good news is that dogs with heart disease can often benefit from prescription diets, exercise modification, and medications tailored to your dog’s specific needs.  Treatment can make your dog feel much more comfortable and allow her to breathe easier and enjoy her walks more fully!