Chronic (Congested) Heart Failure in animals is a serious condition in which heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should.
Chronic (Congested) Heart Failure
Etiology
Diseases of the endocardium, myocardium & pericardium that interfere with the flow of blood into or away from the heart, or that impair myocardial function, may result in congestive heart failure
Clinical Findings
Generalized venous distension & edema in right-sided failure; pulmonary edema and respiratory distress in left-sided failure
Necropsy Findings:
Subcutaneous edema, ascites, hydrothorax, and hydropericardium; enlargement & engorgement of the liver with right-sided failure; pulmonary edema with left-sided failure
Diagnostic Confirmation
Clinical
Clinical Pathology
Increased plasma or serum concentration of cardiac troponin I, a cardiac-specific enzyme
Treatment
Treatment of specific cause, often unsuccessful; diuretics, salt restriction, minimize activity, possibly digoxin
"In Accordance with Vet-Endorsed Practices."
Reference
Veterinary medicine 11th edition book
The Veterinarian 