• Our Hospital
    • About
      Memphis Animal
      Clinic
    • Meet Our Team
    • Hospital Tour
    • Payment
      Solutions
    • Client Forms
    • Our Videos
  • Our Services
    • Preventive Care
    • Wellness Exams
    • Vaccinations
    • Puppy/Kitten And
      Senior Pet Care
    • Early Detection Testing
    • Parasite Prevention
      And Control
    • Nutritional Counseling
    • Pharmacy
    • Microchipping
    • General Medicine
    • Pet Allergies And
      Dermatology
    • Dental Care with Dental X-rays
    • Pain Management
    • Surgery
    • Pet Emergency Services
    • Specialty Vet Services
    • International Health Certificates
    • Pocket Pets
    • Boarding
  • Client Forms
  • Resources
    • Blogs
    • News &
      Promotions
    • Pet
      Resources
    • FAQs
    • Wellness Plans
  • Home Delivery
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • 901-617-4711
Logo of Memphis Animal Clinic
Memphis Animal Clinic Logo
Logo Memphis Animal Clinic
Memphis Animal Clinic
Schedule Your Appointment
901-617-4711
Memphis Animal Clinic Logo
Schedule Your Appointment
901-617-4711
    Memphis Animal Clinic Logo
  • Our Hospital
    • About
      Memphis Animal
      Clinic
    • Meet Our Team
    • Hospital Tour
    • Payment
      Solutions
    • Client Forms
    • Our Videos
  • Our Services
    • Preventive Care
    • Wellness Exams
    • Vaccinations
    • Puppy/Kitten And
      Senior Pet Care
    • Early Detection Testing
    • Parasite Prevention
      And Control
    • Nutritional Counseling
    • Pharmacy
    • Microchipping
    • General Medicine
    • Pet Allergies And
      Dermatology
    • Dental Care with Dental X-rays
    • Pain Management
    • Surgery
    • Pet Emergency Services
    • Specialty Vet Services
    • International Health Certificates
    • Pocket Pets
    • Boarding
  • Client Forms
  • Resources
    • Blogs
    • News &
      Promotions
    • Pet
      Resources
    • FAQs
    • Wellness Plans
  • Home Delivery
  • Reviews
  • Contact

"Improving lives through personalized care. We treat you like family and each patient like our own pet."

"Improving lives through personalized care. We treat you like family and each patient like our own pet."

"Improving lives through personalized care. We treat you like family and each patient like our own pet."

Back to Blog

Congestive Heart Failure

With its ability to onset at any age, in any breed or gender, congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the most serious canine and feline heart conditions. Congestive heart failure is characterized by the heart’s inability to circulate enough blood to meet the body’s demands. Because a heart muscle becomes weakened by CHF, the health of other organs suffers, including that of the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

CHF can be caused by the left, right, or both valves interrupting blood flow and causing blood to back up. Left side valvular disease occurs when blood accumulates in the lungs or abdomen, though this is less common in cats. Right side valvular disease arises when blood has collected in the vena cava and jugular vein, which causes the heart to pump faster and work harder; this eventually causes the heart to enlarge, forcing the heart’s internal chamber capacity to decrease, which means less blood can be pumped out. This entire consequence is cyclic, again causing the heart to work harder and continue to enlarge.

A pet with congestive heart failure can continue to function normally for months, even years, without exhibiting any outward signs of something being wrong; therefore, it can be difficult for an owner to tell that a serious cardiovascular condition exists.

Early signs of congestive heart failure: 

  • Bloating. 
  • Coughing during increased activity. 
  • Decreased activity level. 
  • Easily tiring. 
  • Fainting.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Pacing and restlessness before bed. 
  • Rapid breathing. 
  • Unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis of congestive heart failure

Identifying the cause of congestive heart failure is often an involved process. Diagnosis begins with a full physical examination, during which the veterinarian can find key indicators of congestive heart failure, including a scratchy sound in the lungs when breathing or a subdued sounding heartbeat. Following the physical, there are several tests the veterinarian may perform:

  • Blood pressure measurement – high blood pressure suggests CHF.
  • Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) – allows the veterinarian to visualize valvular deformities, cardiac muscle-wall thickening, and valvular leakage.
  • Electrocardiogram – measures electric impulses of the heart.
  • X-rays – can depict fluid build-up in the abdomen or lungs. Can also show an enlarged heart.

Depending on specific indicators, other tests can be performed, including heartworm tests in dogs and feline leukemia virus tests in cats. The veterinarian will determine which tests your pet needs based on the results of their physical exam.

Treating congestive heart failure

While there remains no cure for congestive heart failure, the ability to treat its symptoms depends on the severity and causes. The goal of treatment is to enable a pet’s body to compensate for its enlarged heart, thus preventing further damage. Most often, CHF is treated on an out-patient basis unless breathing is extremely difficult, in which case a pet may need to be placed on oxygen therapy and held overnight.

There are several medications that might be prescribed to help improve a pet’s quality of life. Depending on the amount of fluid in the chest, a diuretic may be necessary to aid in drying out the bodily tissues. Alongside a diuretic, various vasodilators can improve blood flow, while other drugs can improve the strength of the heart. Prescriptions are written on an individual basis, and the veterinarian will determine which medications are best for your pet’s needs. Usually, it is beneficial for all CHF sufferers to limit their sodium intake, as sodium helps determine the amount of water in the blood vessels and body tissues, and drying up excess fluids is beneficial for CHF sufferers.

If you have any questions about congestive heart failure or would like to discuss any health concerns with our staff, contact our office today.

Previous Article
Read More
Next Article
Read More
Appointment Request
Pet Login in Memphis
Meet the team
Our Services
Testimonials
Contact Us

Helpful Articles

  • Dogs
    • Canine Distemper
    • Canine Parvovirus
    • Picking Your Perfect Puppy
  • Cats
    • Feline Distemper
    • Picking Your Perfect Cat
  • Exotics
    • Avian Vet Care
    • Basic Pet Bird Care
    • Exotic Animal Medicine
  • Health
    • Dental Hygiene and Oral Care
    • Euthanasia
    • Feeding Your Pet
    • Flea Prevention and Care
    • General Pet Safety
    • Heartworm
    • Heat Stroke Awareness
    • Pet Grooming
    • Pet Obesity
    • Recognizing An Ill Pet
    • Seasonal Care
    • Ticks
    • Vaccinations and Examinations
  • General
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Pets and Kids
    • How to Adopt
    • Traveling with Your Pet
    • Training Your Pet
    • Finding A Reputable Breeder
Visit Online Pharmacy in Memphis

Enjoy your visit? Review us here!

https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/how-to-brush-your-pets-teeth.html How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/flea-and-tick-preventives.html Flea and Tick Preventives #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/feline-immunodeficiency-virus.html Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/gastrointestinal-obstruction.html Gastrointestinal Obstruction #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/choosing-the-right-pet-cats.html Choosing the Right Pet: Cats #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/fleas-mites-and-ticks.html Fleas, Mites and Ticks #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/pet-microchipping.html Pet Microchipping #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/feline-leukemia-virus.html Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV) #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/arthritis.html Arthritis #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/vaccines.html Vaccines #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/cancer-in-pets.html Cancer in Pets #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/allergies.html Allergies #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/pet-insurance.html Pet Insurance #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/summer-pet-hazards.html Summer Pet Hazards #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/breathing-problems.html Breathing Problems #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/obedience-and-training.html Obedience and Training #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/daily-pet-responsibilities.html Daily Pet Responsibilities #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/when-to-visit-your-veterinarian.html When to Visit Your Veterinarian #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/blood-tests-for-pets.html Blood Tests for Pets #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/hyperthyroidism.html Hypothyroidism #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/holiday-pet-hazards.html Holiday Pet Hazards #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/traveling-with-your-pet.html Traveling With Your Pet #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/heart-disease.html Heart Disease #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/your-pets-first-veterinary-exam.html Your Pet's First Veterinary Exam #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/vision-problems.html Vision Problems #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/separation-anxiety.html Separation Anxiety #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/hyperthyroidism.html Hyperthyroidism #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/traveling-with-your-pets.html Traveling With Your Pets #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/kennel-cough-bordetella.html Kennel Cough (Bordetella) #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/vomiting.html Vomiting #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/salmonella.html Salmonella #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/diarrhea-in-felines.html Diarrhea in Felines #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/grooming-your-pet.html Grooming Your Pet #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/anal-sac-disease.html Anal Sac Disease #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/obesity.html Obesity #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/periodontal-disease.html Periodontal Disease #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/senior-pet-care.html Senior Pet Care #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/saying-goodbye.html Saying Goodbye #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/vestibular-disease.html Vestibular Disease #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/hip-dysplasia.html Hip Dysplasia #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/spaying-and-neutering.html Spaying and Neutering #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/vaccination-and-your-new-pet.html Vaccination and Your New Pet #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/foreign-bodies-in-esophagus.html Foreign Bodies in Esophagus #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/epilepsy.html Epilepsy #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/diabetes.html Diabetes #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/how-old-is-my-pet.html How Old Is My Pet? #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/pet-sitters.html Pet Sitters #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/hookworm-roundworm-tapeworm-and-whipworm.html Hookworm, Roundworm, Tapeworm, and Whipworm #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/heartworm-prevention.html Heartworm Prevention #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/diarrhea-in-canines.html Diarrhea in Canines #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/cpr-for-pets.html CPR for Pets #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/your-pets-toys.html Your Pet's Toys #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/potentially-dangerous-foods.html Potentially Dangerous Foods #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/preventing-dog-bites.html Preventing Dog Bites #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/heartbeat-arrhythmia.html Heartbeat Arrhythmia #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/lyme-disease.html Lyme Disease #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/choosing-the-right-pet-dogs.html Choosing the Right Pet: Dogs #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/dogs-in-parked-cars.html Dogs in Parked Cars #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/congestive-heart-failure.html Congestive Heart Failure #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/canine-parvovirus.html Canine Parvovirus (CPV) #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/obesity-and-your-pet.html Obesity and Your Pet #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/5-tips-about-flea-prevention.html 5 Tips about Flea Prevention May 15, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/identifying-treating-tick-borne-diseases-in-dogs.html Identifying & Treating Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs June 15, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/common-feline-dental-problems.html Common Feline Dental Problems January 11, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/the-importance-of-brushing-your-cat-s-teeth.html The Importance of Brushing your Cat’s Teeth February 15, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/common-household-and-outdoor-plants-that-are-toxic-to-dogs.html Common Household and Outdoor Plants that are Toxic to Dogs March 15, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/how-is-heartworm-disease-prevented.html How is Heartworm Disease Prevented? April 13, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/blood-work.html 5 Common Questions About Blood Work And your Pet July 20, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/prepare-your-pet-for-vaccine.html Prepare your Pet for Vaccines August 15, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/the-importance-of-updating-your-cats-vaccinations-before-cat-boarding.html The Importance of Updating Your Cat’s Vaccinations Before Cat Boarding September 14, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/why-to-keep-your-black-cat-close-during-Halloween-season.html Why to keep your black cat close during Halloween season October 15, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/why-parasite-prevention-is-so-important-for-senior-dogs.html Why Parasite Prevention is so Important for Senior Dogs November 15, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/importance-of-pet-dental-exams.html Importance of Pet Dental Exams December 14, 2018 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/what-is-involved-in-a-puppy-wellness-care-exam.html What is Involved in a Puppy Wellness Care Exam? January 17, 2019 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/5-best-pet-dental-treats.html 5 Best Pet Dental Treats February 27, 2019 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/frequently-asked-pet-boarding-questions.html Frequently asked pet boarding questions March 15, 2019 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/the-dangers-of-heartworms-in-dogs.html The dangers of heartworms in dogs April 28, 2019 #
https://www.memphisanimalclinic.com/blog/pet-wellness-exam.html Why Does My Pet Need an Annual Wellness Exam? August 1, 2019 #

Request Appointment

Thank you
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.

Main

  • About Us
  • Meet the Team
  • Veterinary Care
  • News
  • Boarding
  • Grooming
  • Resources
  • Home Delivery
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Sitemap
aaha

Contact Information

  • Address
    733 East Parkway South Cooper-Young/Midtown Memphis, TN 38104
  • Phone
    901-617-4711
  • Email
    Send Email
Memphis Animal Clinic

Animal Hospital Hours

  • Monday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Tuesday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Wednesday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Thursday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Friday:
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Saturday:
    7:30am - 12:00pm
  • Sunday:
    CLOSED
Memphis Animal Clinic
Veterinary Websites by Roya
Memphis Animal Clinic Logo
Memphis Animal Clinic logo
Memphis Animal Clinic Logo
Southern Veterinary Partners ©

Send Us A Message

Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.
logo

Request Appointment

Complete the form below and We will get back to you to confirm your schedule.
Your Informations is SAFE with us
Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.

Login


Forgot Password?

OR

Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google


Looking to create an account ?
Already have an account? Login

Save Search


Saved Searches

Update Profile