Your veterinarian will use several ways to help them diagnose your dog with this cardiac condition. There is no single diagnostic method to confirm fluid build-up around the heart in your dog. Any mixes with these breeds are also at higher risk. It is typically due to overbreeding and poor genetic standards.įluid around the heart in dogs is common in the following breeds: Boxers, Bulldogs (French or English), Poodles, Boston Terriers, Golden Retrievers and Weimaraners. There are several dog breeds that are more susceptible to this condition. Are There Certain Breeds That Are Prone to Fluid Build-Up Around the Heart? In some cases, the cause of the inflammation is unknown, also referred to as idiopathic.Ĭauses such as trauma, congestive heart failure, breed and clotting factor abnormalities are also common reasons causing pericardial effusion. This condition can also be caused by inflammation which is usually secondary to an infection of the pericardium. Pericardial effusion can be caused by tumors that are growing within the heart or just on the pericardial sac. There can be several reasons that fluid accumulates within the pericardial sac.
How is Fluid Around the Heart in Dogs Building Up? Usually, owners report coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss and distended abdomen. Some owners confuse episodes of fainting with seizures due to stiffened or shaking limbs and confusion.Ĭhronic pericardial effusion will show symptoms slowly over time and may not be immediately noticed. The symptoms that are noticed with an acute onset of pericardial effusion are typically fainting, collapse or worst-case scenario, death.
Treatment and care will vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. When symptoms are first noted, the dog should immediately be taken to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis. The most common observation in veterinary hospitals of dogs that were later diagnosed with pericardial effusion was weakness, lethargy and collapse or fainting. Symptoms and clinical signs can range from fainting and collapse to exercise intolerance and an enlarged belly. This is when veterinarians will want to determine if the pericardial effusion is acute or chronic to decide what type of treatment is required. Symptoms of this condition vary depending on the speed of onset with which the condition is affecting the dog. It is normal for the pericardium to have a small amount of fluid in its sac for lubrication, making it easier for the heart to move within it.Īn abnormal amount of fluid accumulation around the heart is interfering with its ability to pump blood. The cardiac condition where fluids build up around the heart inside the pericardial sac (pericardium) is called a pericardial effusion. Fluid Around the Heart in Dogs – Pericardial Effusion
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