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How long has my senior dog had an enlarged heart and cough?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

Is my dog very sick? He has an enlarged heart 4 rib spaces when the vet said it should be 3. He has had a cough for years but it's been worse in the past year or so. He's on medicine for fluid and his heart now. How long has he probably had this problem? He's a small Maltese Mix about 12-14 and has anxiety but acts in good health. I'm just worried. Thanks In Advance!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2017

There is no way of knowing how long this may have been developing but it is quite likely the condition developed in line with the worsening cough and breathless signs. Tracheal disease is common in this breed also and it is not unusual for both conditions to develop in the same dog, weakness and coughing at rest is generally considered indicative of a worsening heart condition which requires ongoing medical management to reduce symptoms and delay progression

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on June 5th, 2017
There are many causes for coughing including tracheal disease and bronchitis and it is unlikely the heart condition was present initially. It is possible it has been progressing as the cough has worsened but there is no way of predicting the timeline
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 5th, 2018
There are no typically times frames, some live 2-3 years with medication while others only a few months. However, that is a very good medicine, but there are others that can be used and it is worth consulting your vet about additional medication to help
Often times an ace inhibitor is beneficial (enalapril) and a diuretic (salix). These help the heart and decrease the amount of fluid build up. You can also look into a temporary dose of cortisone to help with secondary inflammation from chronic coughing or a cough suppressant.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 27th, 2018
If the signs persist, this can definitively be related to an underlying heart problem (very commonly mitral valve disease is responsible for it)
I would recommend to call your veterinarian to have the definitive verdict on the tests performed, and possibly have a heart scan (ultrasound) performed to identify specifically underlying cause of heart problem and decide appropriate treatment.
Respiratory problems can possibly cause similar signs but usually a physical examination and chest x rays are sufficient to rule them out.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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