Heart Disease in Dogs
Treatment & Insurance Guide for NZ Pet Owners
Heart disease affects 10% of all dogs in NZ, with prevalence increasing to 75% in dogs over 13 years. Early treatment can significantly extend life.
Common Types
- • Mitral Valve Disease (most common in small breeds)
- • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (large breeds)
- • Congenital heart defects
Treatment Costs
Diagnosis: $500-$2,000
ECG, X-rays, echocardiogram, blood tests
Medication: $50-$200/month
ACE inhibitors, diuretics, heart medications
Ongoing Care: $1,000-$3,000/year
Regular checkups, tests, medication adjustments
Insurance Coverage
Most NZ pet insurance covers heart disease treatment. Lifetime management costs can reach $20,000+.