Viagra goes to the
dogs, literally!
  December
29th, 2005
Most pet owners will be surprised to learn that, like human medicine,
there are specialists available to treat their dogs and cats. If
Spot is diagnosed with a heart problem by their regular vet, he
can be taken to a board-certified veterinary cardiologist.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, of the
dogs examined annually by US veterinarians, about 3.2 million have
some form of acquired heart disease. Not just older pets can benefit
from Veterinary cardiologists, but younger pets with heart birth
defects can find new life with the therapies and surgeries available.
One surprising new therapy is gaining popularity; The use of Viagra
- but not for the same purpose as in men.
Viagra (Sildenafil) is use mostly known for its use in erectile
dysfunction. What you may not know is its use to treat both dogs
and people with severe pulmonary hypertension, high pressure in
the lung vessels. Once given the proper dose of Viagra, dogs which
suffer from pulmonary hypertension can return to a more normal quality
of life. They can again take short, daily walks and find relief
from the exhaustion which the disease causes.
Owners must seek the advice of a veterinary cardiologist before
administering any medications to their pets. A specialist can perform
all the necessary diagnostics and plan an appropriate treatment
for the pet's specific problem.
Ask your regular veterinarian or log on to www.acvim.org
to find a specialist in your area. ACVIM is the American College
of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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