Heart2Heart Canine Cardiology Learning Tool10 August 2015
Types of heart disease
Heart disease is classified as either acquired or congenital.
- Most heart disease is acquired, not congenital4–6
- Acquired heart disease can be due to valve problems (the vast majority) or heart enlargement1,4
- Mostly small breeds develop mitral valve disease4,7
- Mostly large breeds develop dilated cardiomyopathy4,8
- A small proportion of acquired heart disease is caused by other conditions, such as heartworm infection and endocarditis
Click here to see a chart showing the percentage occurrence of the various types of heart disease.
© 2015 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH.
Important safety information: VETMEDIN® should not be given in case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons. The safety of VETMEDIN® has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. The safe use of VETMEDIN® has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or lactating bitches. Use only in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. If side effects should occur, pet owners should contact their veterinarian. Please refer to the package insert for complete product information or visit www.vetmedin.com.
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