Heart Failure
As the disease progresses the symptoms, initially mild and difficult to detect, can become more severe.
Bands of fibrous tissue, known as the heart chords or strings (the chordae), form part of the heart structure. The chords increase and decrease in tension causing the valves to open and close. When the chords rupture, it causes sudden shortness of breath. When this occurs it is essential a vet or Cardiologist sees your Cavalier.
He may be given oxygen while the heart remodels itself and your Cavalier will become more comfortable.
The symptoms most commonly seen in Cavalier with congestive heart failure include:
- Lack of energy and intolerance of exercise
- Loss of appetite and / or weight loss
- Laboured breathing
- Fainting and swelling of the abdomen (tend to be seen in more severely affected cases)
- Coughing (fluid accumulating on the lungs)
In later stages of heart disease you need to monitor respiratory rate.
