Several diseases can take away the life of my beloved Boston Terrier. One of those is a heart problem. Heart problems on Boston Terriers have different types, symptoms, and treatments. In this article, I will talk about everything that you need to know about Boston Terrier heart problems. So, read on!
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Everything You Need to Know About Boston Terrier Heart Problems
Symptoms of heart problems in Boston Terriers in early stages may be invisible. Yet they can be diagnosed through a clinical evaluation by a vet. If your Boston Terrier experiences heart failure, here are the symptoms that may arise:
- Heart enlargement
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fainting
- Profound intolerance to exercise
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Passing out
- Easily tired
- Panting
- Potbelly caused by a fluid build-up
Diagnosis for Different Heart Problems in Boston Terriers
If your Boston Terrier has a heart murmur or physical signs that suggest heart problems, diagnostic testing will be performed to determine the presence and severity of the disease.
To monitor the valve degeneration, the extent of damage, disease progression and to know the best way to treat it, these procedures will be done by a vet.
- Radiographs (X-rays)
- Ultrasound
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Blood and urine test
Facts About Heart Disease in Boston Terriers
- Heart failure is the second leading cause of death of Boston terriers. Around 15% of Boston deaths are related to heart disease. Cancer is still the top cause.
- 75% of heart disease in Boston Terriers is caused by valve deterioration. It can be described as the blockage or narrowing of the valve preventing blood from passing through.
- If heart problems are caught early on, proper medications can slow heart degeneration and increase the lifespan of your Boston. The average survival time of dogs after diagnosis of advanced heart failure is 281 days.
Types of Heart Disease in Boston Terriers
Heart diseases in Boston Terriers can be divided into two main categories. Here are they with some specific classifications:
Congenital Conditions
Congenital conditions are present from birth. These heart diseases can be passed on from parents to puppies.
The most common congenital conditions in Boston Terriers are:
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
It is a heart condition that is worsening over time. It means that a dog’s heart can no longer deliver enough blood to its body. CHF can be brought on by high blood pressure, congenital heart defects, heartworm disease, or a variety of other disorders.
Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulty
- Loss of appetite
- Gray or blue gums
- Potbelly
Congestive heart failure can occur at any age, in any breed, or in dogs of any gender, but it happens most often in middle-aged to older dogs. Some dogs experience sudden death.
Other Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
- Defects in the heart walls
- Fluid in the sac surrounding the heart
- Heart rhythm abnormalities
- Endocarditis (an infection of the heart valves)
- Tumors
- Pregnancy
Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure
The possible treatments for CHF depend on how the disease developed. If it is caused by a congenital condition, a surgical repair may be an option.
Most dogs with congestive heart failure require medications for the rest of their lives. Periodic blood tests, x-rays, and echocardiograms (echo) are often needed to monitor treatment success and disease progression.
The second most common congenital heart disease for Bostons is pulmonic stenosis.
Pulmonic stenosis (PS)
Pulmonic stenosis is the narrowing of the pulmonic heart valve, found on the right side, which is the passageway of blood from the heart to the lung.
Dogs with valve disease like PS have heart murmurs that can be heard with a stethoscope. Dogs with mild pulmonic stenosis may live a normal life.
Symptoms of Pulmonic Stenosis
- Tiring easily
- Fainting
- Fluid accumulation in the belly
- Blue-tinge to the gums
Treatment for Pulmonic Stenosis
There are available treatments for pulmonic stenosis like balloon valvuloplasty wherein a special kind of balloon will be inflated in the pulmonic valve. After the balloon valvuloplasty, the dog will be examined three months later and then yearly.
Surgery is also an option. Unfortunately, medication is not very helpful to manage this heart disease
Acquired Conditions
Acquired conditions typically develop over time in middle-aged and older dogs. It is the result of normal wear, tear, and aging. Aside from heart problems that may arise from birth, about 95% are acquired.
Three of the most occurring acquired conditions are:
- Canine Valvular disease: It occurs when the heart valves weaken and begin to leak. The valves are supposed to keep the blood flowing in one direction. If it weakens, it means that there is a possible backflow of blood.
- Arrhythmias: It refers to the irregular beating of your dog’s heart. Small dogs, like Bostons, have a normal heartbeat of 120-160 beats per minute.
- Pericardial disease: Develops when the sac that surrounds the heart fills with fluid and affects the dog’s heartbeat.
Preventing Heart Problems in Boston Terriers
There is no foolproof way to prevent heart disease or any other health issues in Boston Terriers. But you can take steps to help your dog live a healthy and normal life.
Healthy Diet
It is important to give your Boston a nutritionally superior diet to minimize heart problems. Include Taurine (amino acid) and Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil) in their diet. These foods are good for your pet and its heart. Provide them a high-quality natural meat-based diet with at least 25-30% protein. Avoid salty food!
Physical Activities
Exercise is an essential key part of having a healthy dog. While every dog requires exercise, if your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, make sure to limit strenuous activity. Carefully monitor your Boston Terrier afterward.
Weight Management
As all heart patients are advised to, your Boston Terrier will be advised to lose any extra weight. Weight management helps lessen stress on organs. Having the right body weight will result in a healthy heart and lungs.
Boston terriers have three weight categories: under 15 pounds, 15 to under 20 pounds, and 20 to 25 pounds.
Maintain Oral Health
Studies have shown that maintaining oral health is a great first line of defense. When bacteria are ingested, they can harm many organs. Always give your dog fresh water and food in a clean bowl.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Regular assessment of your dog’s health is necessary. With this, you can be prepared and take steps before any know or unknown disease starts or gets worse.
What to Expect with Veterinary Checkups
| Boston Terrier Age | Common Services Done By Vet Clinics | Potential Health Problems the Vet Checks |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | Head-to-tail physical examination Internal parasite test and/or deworming Vaccinations Tips for puppy development and care | Heart murmurs Hernias Dental Health Parasites |
| 10 to 12 weeks | Physical examination Heartworm prevention Vaccinations Tips for dental care and development | Growth development Social and Behavioral development Parasites |
| 14 to 16 weeks | Physical examination Internal parasite test Vaccinations Grooming, nail Trimming, and advice for Obedience training Set schedule for spay/neuter surgery | Adult teeth coming in properly Skin infections Tonsillitis Parasites |
| 4 to 6 months | Head-to-tail physical examination Presurgical diagnostics for spay or neuter surgery Soft palate surgery Gait and lameness examination Spine x-rays | Eye abnormalities Organ health before spay or neuter surgery Respiratory distress syndrome Knee problems Spinal deformities |
| 1 Year | Head-to-tail physical examination Gait and lameness examination Tear test Heartworm test Internal parasite test Vaccinations | Overweight Eye abnormalities Skin infections Knee problems Eye problems Heartworms and other parasites |
| 2 to 8 years | Head-to-tail physical examination Gait and lameness examination Internal organ health evaluation Eye test Tear test Internal parasite test Heartworm test Vaccinations | Dental disease Overweight Internal organ health Eye problems Skin infections Knee problems Heartworm and other parasites |
| 9 to 11 years | Head-to-tail physical examination Internal organ health evaluation Cancer screen Glaucoma screening Tear test Heart health evaluation Internal parasite check Heartworm test Vaccinations | Dental disease Overweight Eye problems Skin infections Arthritis Internal organ health Cancer symptoms Glaucoma Heart disease Heartworms and other parasites |
| 12 years above | Head-to-tail physical examination Internal organ health evaluation Cancer screen Glaucoma screening Tear test Heart health evaluation Internal parasite check Heartworm test Vaccinations | Dental disease Overweight Eye problems Skin infections Arthritis Internal organ health Cancer symptoms Glaucoma Heart disease Heartworms and other parasites |
How to Take Care of Boston Terriers with Heart Problems
If any heart disease is caught early enough and treated properly, your Boston Terrier could live for many years.
Here are some ways to take good care of your dog with heart disease.
- Make sure to follow your vet’s dosage instructions.
- Regular blood tests, radiographs, and echocardiograms may be necessary to monitor your pet’s condition.
- Ask your vet about proper diet and exercise specifically for your dog.
- Sodium or salt restriction is necessary with more severe heart disease.
How Long Can a Boston Terrier Live With an Enlarged Heart?
How long a Boston Terrier can live with an enlarged heart is based on your veterinarian’s prognosis. It’s usually based on the progression of the disease and you can expect your dog to live for about 6 to 24 months.
What Causes Heart Disease in Boston Terriers?
75% of heart disease in Boston Terriers is caused by valve deterioration. Boston Terriers with heart valve disease have a heart murmur that can be easily heard with a stethoscope so make sure to have your dog visit the vet regularly.
What Food Causes Heart Disease in Dogs?
Studies done by the FDA showed that there is a link between legume-rich, grain-free foods and canine heart disease. Hence, you should keep your dog on a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
In most cases, the heart problem cannot be cured. The right treatment will improve dogs’ quality and length of life.
Still, prevention is better than cure. Keep your Boston Terrier healthy and happy. Ensure that it gets a certain amount of exercise regularly and a balanced diet. Take proper care and vet advice to help your pet grow, live well, and to the full span of its life.
