Heart attacks in dogs are very rare. The organs that are affected in this species are the brain to a greater extent and sporadically the kidneys. A proven curiosity is that dogs reduce the risk of myocardial infarction in humans, since they reduce risk factors (high blood pressure, cholesterol, stress, etc.).
As we will see below, heart attacks in dogs do not refer so much to the heart, but rather to the brain. Keep reading this article on our site to find out more about heart attack in dogs, its symptoms and what to do when it occurs.
What is a heart attack in dogs?
A heart attack is caused by the lack of blood supply to an organ, which leads to ischemia in the affected area. This lack of watering can be caused by:
- Ischemic stroke: Obstruction of blood flow due to an embolus.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: broken blood vessel.
Depending on the extent and severity of the injury, functionality may be partially or fully recovered. In this article we are going to talk about the infarction or cerebral stroke in dogs, which is more prevalent in the canine population.
The brain has a high oxygen demand, so its blood flow is very high compared to other organs. This indicates that for a heart attack to occur, the total cessation of blood flow is not necessary, and may be partial or total and regional or generalized.
Causes of heart attacks in dogs
Any underlying disease that can cause emboli or alter blood flow and vascular walls is likely to cause a heart attack in dogs:
- Infectious diseases: in which the source of infection generates septic emboli that migrate to other tissues. One example is endocarditis (infection of the heart valves). Infectious diseases can also cause coagulation disorders.
- Primary Tumor: or metastases from that tumor may cause emboli or alter blood flow (clotting). In this other article we explain more about Tumors in dogs - Types, symptoms and treatment.
- Parasites: Migration of parasites or emboli of parasites. An example is heartworm or dirofilariosis.
- Coagulation: congenital coagulation diseases.
- Vascular parasites: such as Angiostrongylus vasorum.
- Systemic diseases: those that cause systemic hypertension, such as hyperadrenocorticism and renal failure.
- Metabolic diseases: that cause atherosclerosis (vascular walls lose their flexibility), such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, etc.
Heart attack symptoms in dogs
In the case of cerebral infarction in dogs, the symptoms observed derive from an acute, focal and asymmetric neurological deficit depending on the location affected. If the injury is severe and profuse edema develops, neurological signs may progress for 2-3 days:
- Seizures.
- Uncoordinated.
- Loss of balance.
- Head-pressing (supporting the head on a surface).
- Partial or total paresis of extremities.
- Propioception deficit (postural reaction).
- Hyperthermia.
- Vestibular dysfunction (head tilt).
- Walking in circles and wandering.
- Nystagmus (eye movements).
- Death (if the heart attack is very serious, it can happen suddenly).
In this other article we explain more about Seizures in dogs - Causes, treatment and what to do, one of the most characteristic symptoms of cerebral infarction in dogs.
Diagnosis of infarction in dogs
The first study to be performed is a complete neurological examination to try to locate the lesion by examining the cranial and peripheral nerves.
Definitive diagnosis of infarction in dogs is made using advanced imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography.
In addition, when this pathology is suspected, the following diagnostic tests should be performed, depending on the clinician's suspicions of the underlying diseases that caused the infarction: :
- Blood tests (complete blood count and biochemistry).
- Blood pressure measurement.
- Urinalysis.
- Rule out infectious diseases, especially parasitic ones.
- Endocrine tests.
- Rule out neoplasms through chest and abdominal X-rays, abdominal ultrasound.
What to do in case of a heart attack in dogs?
At the time we perceive the symptoms we have described, it is recommended go to the vet to start diagnostic tests. The prognosis in dogs is better than in humans due to their anatomy.
Most dogs with cardiovascular accidents recover with support treatment, that is, symptomatic and specific treatment, if the primary cause is identified (causes that we have discussed in the corresponding section).
Treatment for heart attack in dogs
Symptomatic treatments include:
- Maintenance of cerebral perfusion.
- Treatment of seizures.
- Reduction of intracranial pressure.
- Systemic pressure maintenance.
- Maintenance of the dog in a calm and stress-free environment.
Prevention is very important through regular veterinary checks, a balanced diet, frequent exercise and stimulation, and periodic antiparasitic control. All this will lead us to reduce the risk of both a heart attack and many other diseases.
