Seizures in Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure

Serious issues like congestive heart failure in dogs can be very scary for pet owners. It gets even scarier when multiple issues combine to produce a serious threat to your pup's health. 

This article explores the relationship between seizures and congestive heart failure in dogs. Let's take a look.

Can Congestive Heart Failure Cause Seizures in Dogs?

Congestive heart failure itself does not directly cause seizures in dogs. However, complications arising from heart failure, such as reduced oxygen supply to the brain or blood flow irregularities, can increase the likelihood of seizures.

When seizures occur, they are often characterized by uncontrolled limb movements, jaw chomping, excessive salivation, or temporary unresponsiveness. Most seizures last between one and two minutes, though they can sometimes be longer.

How Can I Try to Reduce Seizures in My Dog with CHF?

If your dog experiences seizures and has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF), consult your veterinarian immediately. Managing seizures in dogs with CHF involves addressing the underlying heart condition and providing treatments tailored to your dog’s needs. Here are some common measures your vet may recommend:

• CBD oil
• Medications
• Oxygen therapy

Let’s explore these options further:

CBD Oil

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from the hemp plant, has gained attention as a potential aid for dogs with seizures. Research suggests that CBD oil may help regulate abnormal electrical activity in the brain, reducing seizure frequency in some dogs. Additionally, its calming properties can alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, which may indirectly benefit dogs with CHF.

While anecdotal evidence supports the use of CBD oil, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian before introducing it. Ensure the product is high-quality, THC-free, and specifically formulated for pets to avoid potential side effects or interactions with prescribed medications.

Oxygen Therapy

Dogs with CHF often experience difficulty breathing due to reduced oxygen levels. Oxygen supplementation can help improve their comfort and prevent complications that may trigger seizures. This therapy may involve placing your dog in an oxygen chamber or administering oxygen through a nasal tube. Your vet can guide you on when and how to use oxygen therapy effectively.

Medications

Medications are critical in managing both CHF and seizures. For CHF, diuretics (such as furosemide) are commonly prescribed to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs, abdomen, or limbs. Depending on your dog’s specific condition, your vet may also recommend:

• Diltiazem or Digoxin: To regulate heart rhythm and improve heart function.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: To reduce strain on the heart and improve blood flow.
• Anticonvulsants: If seizures persist, your vet may prescribe medications like phenobarbital or potassium bromide to control seizure activity directly.

Each dog’s treatment plan will depend on their overall health, the severity of CHF, and the frequency of seizures. Close monitoring and regular communication with your veterinarian are essential to ensure your dog’s quality of life.

What Are the Risks of Seizures in Dogs with CHF?

Seizures in dogs with CHF can lead to further complications. Such complications include heart strain and potential oxygen deprivation to vital organs. Repeated seizures may also worsen your dog’s overall health. Therefore, it’s important to seek immediate medical intervention.

Dogs with seizures often begin showing abnormal behavior before the actual seizure. If your dog is experiencing a seizure, it may hide, whine, tremble, salivate, or act anxious anywhere from a few seconds to hours before a seizure. Seizures in dogs may result from several things, including congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which fluids congest (build-up) due to the heart’s inability to pump blood throughout the body. Read through to learn more about CHF and how to reduce seizures in dogs with CHF.

What Are the Common Signs of Congestive Heart Disease in Dogs?

If your canine companion has a damaged heart, the heart may struggle to pump blood. As a result, the blood may back up in the lungs, leading to its accumulation in the abdomen, chest, or both.

Studies suggest that heart diseases roughly affect 10% of dogs throughout their lifetime. As a pet parent, however, how can you recognize the signs? Here are the most common signs of CHF to look out for:

• Persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting or collapsing
• Fatigue
• Behavior changes

Let’s briefly look at each of these signs:

Persistent Cough

If you notice that your dog has a cough that doesn’t clear, heart disease may be the culprit. CHF causes the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Consequently, the fluid may leak out of the blood vessels and accumulate in the lung tissue, leading to a cough. 

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice a persistent cough.

Difficulty Breathing

Dogs with CHF will often have difficulty breathing or may breathe more rapidly. Other dogs may sit or stand with their neck stretched out or legs wide apart.

Fainting or Collapsing

A less functional heart may cause vital organs like the brain to be deprived of essential nutrients, especially oxygen. When blood flow to the brain is compromised, your furry friend may faint or collapse. Episodes or collapsing may be triggered by exercise or sometimes coughing.

Fatigue

Dogs with CHF tire out more on walks and during regular exercise. As a result, they may sleep or rest more than usual.

Behavior Changes

As a dog owner, you may also notice behavioral changes in dogs with congestive heart failure. Such changes include poor appetite, reluctance to play, isolation, and reluctance to engage in previously pleasurable activities.

Conclusion

Seizures in dogs with CHF prompt immediate attention. By addressing seizure risks, you can improve your dog’s quality of life and potentially reduce their chance of seizures with the knowledge that congestive heart failure can contribute to them.

Regular veterinary care is essential to ensure the best outcomes for affected dogs.

References:

Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases such as myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs.