A veterinarian is cautioning pet owners about four popular dog breeds that are prone to heart disease – the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Boxer, and Dobermann.
Known as “Ben The Vet” on TikTok, a vet from the UK shares valuable information about pet health on his account.
In one of his videos, he discusses the “4 dog breeds at higher risk of heart disease,” starting with the Dobermann.
He highlights the alarming statistic that over 58% of Dobermanns over the age of seven suffer from Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart’s muscular wall weakens.
Ben warns that often there are no symptoms, and the dog could unexpectedly collapse and die. He recommends early screening for Dobermanns starting at two or three years old.
Next on Ben’s list is the Boxer, which is predisposed to various heart conditions, including Aortic or Subaortic Stenosis, causing a narrowing of the blood flow from the heart.
He explains that while most cases are mild, severe instances can lead to collapse and sudden death. Ben reassures that breeders are actively working to reduce the prevalence of this condition in Boxers.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is next on the list, described by Ben as “awesome little dogs, terrible hearts.” He notes that up to 90% of Cavaliers develop mitral valve disease by the age of 10, leading to heart failure.
If a murmur is detected in a Cavalier, Ben advises owners to consult their vet promptly.
Lastly, the Golden Retriever, beloved by many families, is mentioned by Ben not for being highly susceptible to heart issues but for the increased risk of Pericardial Effusion, where fluid accumulates around the heart, affecting its function.
While rare, Ben has encountered this condition in Golden Retrievers, emphasizing the importance of monitoring their health closely.