Heart Health in Chihuahuas
The heart in a Chihuahua is a very tiny muscle. It pumps blood throughout the body and has two parts, one of which pumps blood to the lungs for oxygen and the other to the rest of the body. Without the heart’s function, the organs cannot function properly. However, with this small size, the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease are more difficult. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of heart disease in a Chihuahuan.
The first step in diagnosing Chihuahua heart problems is a thorough physical examination. The vet will listen to the heart with a stethoscope to determine if it is pumping blood efficiently. If the heart sounds louder than normal, the veterinarian may perform an EKG to determine whether there is an underlying heart condition. If your Chihuahua has a murmur or other heart abnormality, your vet will perform an EKG to confirm the cause.
Besides a healthy lifestyle and diet, a Chihuahua’s lifespan can be extended. Megabyte, a Chihuahuan that died in January 2014, is the longest living Chihuahua ever. While there are rumors of a dog living up to 21 years old, it has never been confirmed. This does not mean that there aren’t any records of long-lived Chihuahuas.
Another common condition in Chihuahuas is mitral valve disease.
This is also known as chronic valvular disease and affects several small dog breeds. It occurs most commonly in the smallest of dogs – often teacups – but also occurs in larger breeds such as Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, and Yorkshire Terriers. In some cases, the mitral valve becomes inflamed and leaks blood back into the left atrium.
A Chihuahua’s heart is also susceptible to the luxating patella. The condition affects the kneecap, which is circular and situated in front of the knee. This problem is usually a chronic disease. If it’s untreated, it can lead to a dog with a collapsed heart and a poor quality of life. Fortunately, it can be treated with proper care.
A healthy diet is essential for the health of a Chihuahua. Exercise and a balanced diet can help the heart of a Chihuahua. Additionally, the Chihuahua Heart Club of America states that the breed can also be predisposed to idiopathic epilepsy, or seizures. If your Chihuahua exhibits the signs of a heart murmur, it is important to seek veterinary treatment immediately.
Adult Chihuahuas are at the highest risk for developing a heart murmur.
This symptom is usually caused by a large amount of fluid in the brain. In many cases, thoracic radiography is an effective means to determine the size of the heart. A healthy diet is important to the health of Chihuahua’s lungs and heart. It also helps to monitor the weight and body temperature.
A Chihuahua’s heart can develop any of several different kinds of heart disease. Most of the time, this type of heart disease is caused by weakened or blocked heart valves. If your dog has a heart murmur, it probably means your pet has a problem with the pulmonic valves. If your dog has a murmur, it is a sign of heart disease.
Other signs of heart disease in Chihuahuas include a heart murmur, which is a disturbance of the flow of blood through the heart. When the heart murmur is louder than the average noise, your dog may have a heart murmur. These symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s heart problem. If your dog is suffering from a heart murmur, you should take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
A heart murmur is an atypical sound that occurs when the heart is beating too fast or too slowly.
This is usually caused by a heart murmur. It can be harmless or cause other health problems in your dog. It is important to visit a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems and to ensure the health of your Chihuahua. A veterinarian will ask questions about your dog’s health and recommend any further tests your dog may need.
Young Chihuahuas can develop a painful condition in the hip. This condition is known as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. It is difficult to diagnose but is often accompanied by limping and bluish gums. It may require surgery to correct this degenerative condition. You may notice your dog’s gums appear blue. If your Chihuahua is suffering from this, it is important to take it to a vet.
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