It's important to distinguish between heart disease and heart failure. Heart disease is the underlying condition. It can rarely be cured per se. Heart failure is the consequence of heart disease.
 

Heart failure is rarely a sudden cessation of the heart's function, but a slow complex process in which its decline affects the performance of almost every part of the body. Unlike the underlying disease, heart failure can often be managed with drugs that improve and extend the dog's life.
 

Chief amongst these are ACE inhibitors. First used in man, ACE inhibitors reduce blood volume and pressure, thereby relieving stress on the heart. They are also thought to slow the deterioration of the heart muscles.
 

There are many other drugs, diets and surgical techniques used to treat heart disease or manage heart failure. A special exercise regime for your dog will also be very important. You can learn about these by clicking on the links to the right of the page.
 

Bear in mind, though, that every case of heart disease is unique, and it is not possible for this website to make any recommendation as to which treatment, or combination of treatments is appropriate for your dog. We do hope, though, that the information we provide will give you a better understanding of any treatment that may have been recommended, and why.