These are common parasites of the heart and lungs seen in both dogs and increasingly in cats. Heartworm disease is typically carried by mosquitoes and has been seen in most of the United States. While heartworm disease is mostly suspected in warmer weather, with milder winters, veterinarians are now increasingly diagnosing heartworm positive pets in the cooler months as well. Symptoms of heartworm disease can vary from asymptomatic pets to pets in severe heart failure. Pets may also develop a distended abdomen full of fluid from right sided heart failure. Coughing and exercise intolerance are common, as well as the development of left sided congestive heart failure that may lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs or chest cavity. Heartworms are usually diagnosed by blood testing at the veterinarian.
Recommended medications:
Furosemide
Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention (edema) in dogs and cats with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or certain kidney disease. Furosemide is also used to treat high blood pressure. Furosemide for dogs and cats requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold by the tablet.
For:
Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
Treats excessive fluid accumulation and swelling caused by heart failure and other health problems
Easy to administer
How it Works:
Furosemide is a potent diuretic which works by blocking the absorption of salt and fluid in the kidney tubules causing an increase in urine output.
Cautions:
Keep plenty of water available for your pet to drink. Furosemide can make your pet's skin sensitive to sunlight. There are possible adverse interactions with other drugs, so fully disclose to your veterinarian what you are giving your pet. This medication should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals.
Enalapril
Enalapril is used to treat mild, moderate, or severe heart failure and high blood pressure, and is usually used in combination with other medications. Enalapril requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold by the tablet.
For:
Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
Helps the heart beat more efficiently
Prevents fluid buildup in the lungs
Lowers blood pressure
Improves ability to tolerate exercise
How it Works:
Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme in the body that is needed to produce a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, the blood vessels relax. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Cautions:
Do not give your pet potassium supplements unless directed to by your veterinarian. Enalapril may cause birth defects. Do not give to pregnant animals.
Vetmedin
Vetmedin is used to manage certain types of congestive heart failure. It differs from other commonly used heart drugs because it helps the heart pump more efficiently. Vetmedin requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For:
Dogs
Benefits:
Helps pets suffering from congestive heart disease
Shown to increase quality and length of life in pets
Increases the ability of the heart to pump blood
How it Works:
Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart, effectively reducing work the heart does to pump blood. At the same time, Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels returning blood to the heart, reducing pressure on the heart.
Cautions:
If serious side effects or allergic reactions occur, stop giving Vetmedin and seek emergency veterinary medical attention.
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