Diseases of the Cardio-Vascular System
1. THE HEART
DISTURBANCES OF THE heart's function are extremely common in the dog as old age approaches and these take various forms
depending on which part of the heart is involved.
Signs of Heart Disease. Apart from information which is obtained by means of the stethoscope (auscultation) and electro-
cardiogram examination, one of the main visible signs is generalised venous engorgement leading to oedema, especially
ascites. Other signs such as dyspnoea and cough may also indicate heart disease although these can also occur in respira-
tory affections. Cyanosis of visible mucous membranes is a more useful guide. The heart cough' is a soft muffled sound
somewhat like that produced as an accompaniment to distemper infection.
The pericardium, myocardium, endocardium and valves can all be affected but we will confine our remarks to the heart
muscle and valves as these are much the more common structures to be affected.
1. MYOCARDIUM. Degenerative disease of the heart muscle sometimes occurs as a sequel to infectious disease and also
to poisoning by certain metals. Hypertrophy of the muscle can also occur and this can be associated with kidney disease.
Inflammation of the muscle-myocarditis-can occur as an accompaniment or sequel to infectious disease and is mani-
fested by a fast weak and signs pulmonary congestion. Remedies which are useful in controlling this are CRATAE-
GUS or 1x and CONVALLARIA@or 1x. STROPHANTHUS or 1x has also proved useful. The diagnosis of myocarditis will
be difficult for the layman and should properly be left to a clinician. Blood tests and electrocardiogram readings may be
needed.
2. CONGESTIVE HEART DISEASE. This condition relates to an inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood to the tis-
sues, thereby resulting in an overall sluggish circulation with the production of oedema in various areas, particularly the
abdominal cavity (ascites). This in turn affects kidney function with an inability to excrete sufficient fluid in proportion to
that formed.
ETIOLOGY. The main causes are congenital heart disease and acquired valvular disease, with lesions of the myocardium
being a supplementary factor. The left (mitral) valve is the one usually at fault but generalised failure of function also
occurs.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Ascites is the most commonly observed sign along with increased difficulty in breathing Restlessness is
a common feature, the dog frequently shifting position. The animal may assume a sitting posture to relieve pressure of ab-
dominal fluid on the diaphragm.
TREATMENT. There are many useful heart remedies available, chief among which are the following:
1. LYCOPUS VIRGINICUS 3x. The pulse is quick and irregular. Breathlessness is pronounced
2. ADONIS VER. 1x. One of the best remedies for valvular disease. Urine output is decreased and the urine contains albu-
men and casts. Heart action is rapid and feeble and oedema is pronounced.
3. CRATAEGUS 0 or 1x. This remedy will regulate the heart's action and show an accelerated pulse. Fainting turns may be
present when this remedy is indicated.
4. CONVALLARIA 1x. The pulse is full and intermittent. Has an action somewhat similar to LYCOPUS The animal is disin-
clined to take exercise.
5. LILIUM TIG 6c. The pulse is small, rapid and weak which is made worse by even a slight movement. This is a remedy
which may prove more suitable for bitches than dogs.
6. LAUROCERASUS 6c. Exercise may bring on extreme breathlessness with possibly fainting turns. Visible mucous membranes become cyanosed.
7. STROPHANTHUS 1x. This is a useful remedy for slowing the heart's action when there is a fast thready pulse. It will
greatly strengthen the beat and will aid output of urine in ascites.
8. CACTUS GRANDIFLORUS 6c. Although the symptoms indicating the need for this remedy are mainly subjective it should
be considered if other remedies fail to give the desired results, as it has frequently given good results in the treatment of
many different heart conditions.
9. RUMEX 6x. This is a remedy which could prove useful in long-standing heart conditions in old animals. A dry spasmodic
cough frequently accompanies breathlessness and hoarseness.
10. SPONGIA TOSTA 6c. This is also a useful remedy in chronic cases showing symptoms which are similar to the previous
remedy but are much more severe. The respiration is violent and gasping.
11. CARBO VEG. 30c. This is a remedy which is extremely suitable for seemingly hopeless or moribund cases. It frequently
restores deep breathing. It should be given in the evening when so-called asthmatic attacks supervene.
2. SHOCK
This term covers the condition which arises as a result of a decrease in the peripheral circulation and can arise from
haemorrhage, extensive burning, sepsis and anaphylaxis (protein shock).
CLINICAL SIGNS. The animal becomes indifferent to its surroundings and appears unkempt. The eyes become sunken,
body surface is cold and visible mucous membranes are pale. Increased respirations are the rule with occasionally large
intakes of air. The pulse is weak and fast.
TREATMENT. The main remedy to consider is ACONITUM 12c which usually allays symptoms in a short time. ARNICA 30c
and CHINA 6c are useful remedies if weakness and shock are a result of haemorrhage. CARBO VEG. 30c is useful in those
cases showing air hunger and collapse.
FOOTNOTE Dogs should not be artificially warmed when in shock and fluid may have to be given by injection in severe
cases to combat disturbance to the circulation. The above remedies will materially aid these measures.