What is CHF?

What is CHF?

Eventually many forms of heart disease will likely result in Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). As MMVD progresses, the heart weakens and blood continues to leak backward into the atrium. This overloads the atrium and causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels into the lungs (known as pulmonary oedema). In addition, blood flow out of the heart slows, thus reducing blood flow to the key organs. At this stage, the signs of CHF become evident.

What are the most common symptoms of CHF?

The most common clinical signs of congestive heart failure arising from MMVD include:

• Coughing
• Changes in breathing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Labored breathing
  • Rapid/fast breathing
• Changes in behavior
  • Tiring easily
  • Reluctance to exercise/not wanting to go for walks
  • Less playful
  • Slowing down/lack of energy
  • Depressed/withdrawn
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Fainting/collapsing
• Weakness
• Restlessness, especially at night

Some or all of the symptoms above may appear, and can have an impact on the dog’s quality of life.