My dog's X-ray shows enlarged heart, no symptoms. What's next?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

  Published on January 19th, 2018

  Don't worry yet. Hopefully there is nothing wrong with Maggie's heart. When we take an x-ray of the heart, it gives us a general idea of the size of the heart when compared to the rest of the chest. But this information is not very accurate, so if we are worried about it and a heart looks a little bigger than we expect, then we will refer you to a cardiologist which is exactly what your vet did. The cardiologist will be able to use an ultrasound to look at the heart in 3D (called an echocardiogram) to determine if there is an abnormalities in how large the heart is including each chamber of the heart as well as evaluating the valves and how well the heart is working. If they find any abnormalities they may recommend medication to slow the progression of any heart disease, but they may not find anything wrong at all. You will have to wait to see what the cardiologist finds. Even if they find some evidence of heart disease, many dogs live for years with well controlled heart disease if we find it early. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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  Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 7th, 2020

  It doesn't work like this i'm afraid, you need to provide medical history and symptoms in order for anyone to check and analyse the x-ray. what i can tell you is that there is an enlarged heart and a lot of air in the stomach.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on July 25th, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This depends on what is causing the heart to be enlarged. There are many heart diseases like chronic degenerative valve disease that can be managed throughout their lifetime and dogs can live a long life versus something like dilated cardiomyopathy which has a poor longterm prognosis. I would recommend you discuss with your veterinarian what seems to be the specific issue. A referral to a veterinary cardiologist can always be considered to get more specific information about the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. This usually takes performing an echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram. Good luck and have a great day!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful