In pets, as in people, heart disease can be either acquired or congenital. Congenital heart disease means the problem is present at birth, although it may not manifest until later in life.
Acquired heart disease, on the other hand, develops during middle age or later as a result of injury, infection, or cumulative stress on the heart that occurs because of other noncardiac conditions. Because advances in medicine and technology are allowing pets to live longer than ever before, there is an increased likelihood that your pet may experience problems that affect many older animals, such as heart disease.

Types of Heart Disease
There are many types of heart disease in animals, all of which stem from two main causes- mechanical or electrical. Malfunctions of the body's electrical control system (known as
the 'pacemaker') result in irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias.
The most common mechanical cause of heart disease is 'leaky valves.' Leaky valves occur as a result of damage caused by infection elsewhere in the body, by improperly formed valves, or by heart enlargement (when the heart becomes stretched so much that the valves can't close properly anymore). When the heart valves are leaky, blood does not flow properly. Other mechanical causes of heart disease include heartworm infection or complications from birth defects.

Heart Failure
The result of heart disease, if left untreated, is heart failure. When heart disease advances to this level, it becomes increasingly difficult for the heart to pump blood. As a result, the heart becomes enlarged and less efficient at pumping blood. (Because oxygen is carried in the blood, all organs in the body are affected when pumping becomes inefficient.)
Eventually, the chambers of the heart fill with blood faster than it can be pumped out, and the result is called 'congestive heart failure.' In many cases of congestive heart failure, fluid accumulates in the lungs, chest cavity, and/or abdomen.

Know the Signs
Pets with heart disease begin to show signs when the heart has become too damaged to function properly. Knowing the signs of heart disease will make early detection easier and can help save your pet. Be aware of the general signs, which include loss of appetite, a distended abdomen and/or legs (as a result of fluid accumulation), rapid or slow heartbeat, grey-blue gums and tongue, exercise intolerance, coughing (especially at night), and
restlessness.
If you notice any of these signs on a consistent basis, bring your pet to your veterinarian. He or she will perform a thorough physical examination and, if appropriate, order blood and urine tests, X-rays, an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or other tests.

Long-Term Outlook
In some cases, if an underlying problem that would ultimately result in heart failure is caught early, treating it will also reduce the chance of your pet developing heart failure. If it's not curable, your veterinarian will try to manage the disease and slow its progression via medications. These medications will help to ease the stresses caused by heart failure or strengthen the heart muscle to make it easier to pump blood.
Thanks to these and other types of treatment, heart disease in pets can be managed. Regular testing is important for early detection of heart disease. By working with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your pet receives the appropriate care as he ages. Regular testing is important for early detection of heart
disease.