Clinical Signs:
- Most animals donot exhibit any symptoms.
- In case of symptoms, animals show signs of congestive heart failure.
- Exercise intolerance
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Bluish discoloration of skin
Diagnosis:
- Based on clinical findings
- ECG; irregular rhythm in heart
- Echocardiography, Radiography
- Physical examination: palpation of apex of heart, percussion of thoracic cavity, there is increase in apex beat of heart when heard through auscultation.
Treatment:
- Treatment is only advised when animal’s heart starts to fail and animal loses its consciousness frequently.
- Diuretics and ACE inhibitors are advised.
- In case of arrhythmias, adrenergic blockers or calcium channel blockers are given
- Low sodium diet should be given to affected animals.