My Boston Terrier puppy has an enlarged heart and vomits. Is it DCM?

Hello and thank you for using Pet Coach! Based on the radiograph you attached, the vertebral heart score (VHS) is on the larger measurement and overall the heart does have increased contact with the sternum. There does not appear to be evidence of heart failure, but I am limited with one x-ray view and no ability to adjust the contrast. I don't know what medication your veterinarian started Bono on but in this case, I would recommend starting omega 3 fish oil, Pimobendan (prescription medication that helps delay on the onset of heart failure and helps the heart pump more efficiently). I would also look into heart supplements such as Standard Process Whole Body Support and Cardiac support (if available in your country). Here is an article from my hospital on heart disease and what to look out for. Mitral valve disease is one of the most common heart conditions we see in dogs. I hope this helps and provides you with more information. If you have any concerns, I would reach out to the veterinarian who has been seeing Bono. https://www.neighborhoodvetclinic.com/degenerative-valve-disease-myxomatous-mitral-valve-disease/

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Coughing and bringing up clear liquid could be coughing up stuff instead of vomiting. This is important to try to differentiate. Coughing up liquid is more consistent with heart disease. The x-rays are difficult to read as the image transfer through is of poor quality and to really assess the lungs you need good quality images, however the heart does look a bit enlarged and the lungs do look a bit 'white'. I cannot assess the liver on these radiographs as you cannot see them. An enlarged heart, white lungs (fluid in the lungs), and an enlarged liver is consistent with both right and left sided heart disease. I recommend you return either to your vet, or another vet, and get a specialist ultrasound of the heart (an 'echo') to determine if heart medications are required. Your vet can also listen to the heart to see if a murmur is present in the heart, or 'crackles' are heard on the lungs. Heart disease is very serious and needs medications to manage. Without these Lily unfortunately will essentially drown in her own lungs, if heart disease is the problem. I suggest a recheck as soon as possible to get this figured out. Best of luck with Lily, I hope she feels better soon.

An enlarged heart could mean that your dog is developing heart disease but it could also just be normal for your dog. Your vet could submit a blood test called a proBNP which helps detect heart disease. You could also have a cardiologist perform an ultrasound of her heart to evaluate the function of her hear and measure the size.

The most common cause for an enlarged heart in a smaller breed dog is disease or deterioration of the heart valves. The best test to have done is an Echocardiogram. This is an ultrasound of the heart. It allows visualization of the valves and their function, allows measurement of the thickness of the heart muscles and would allow the doctor to see any other abnormal structures. This is best done by an ultrasound specialist or a board certified pet cardiologist in order to get the most accurate and valuable information. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello! I'm concerned about her poor appetite? An enlarged heart shouldn't specifically cause this. I'm glad you had some tests run on her heart, and I'm glad to hear that the tests so far have been normal. Sometimes dogs can see a veterinary cardiologist, or have a heart ultrasound, in order to get more information. If she isn't eating well, I would recommend you take her to your vet to find out if there could be something else wrong?

Hello, I am so sorry Brandi has been struggling. Based on the information you provided, I suspect Brandi has megaesophagus which occurs secondary to neoplasia, myasthenia gravis, hypothyroidism or its idiopathic. Independent of the underlying cause, a permanently dilated esophagus carries a poor prognosis and often leads to pneumonia. Some medications such as metoclopramide, cerenia and sildenafil may be helpful. Additionally, you should research a Bailey’s chair which forces the pet to eat in an upright position to prevent choking. I hope this information helps.

The heart does indeed appear to be enlarged and the trachea (windpipe) pushed up by the heart which can cause discomfort and coughing. Murmurs and valve disease are quite common in chihuahuas (diet related dilated cardiomyopathy is generally associated with a milder murmur and larger heart). An ultrasound exam to assess the valves and the strength and thickness of the heart muscle or review from a cardiologist is recommended in order to determine the underlying issues as treatment to manage and reduce the symptoms are very different depending on the type of heart condition which is predominant