Inflammation of the Heart Sac Support - Set of 3 (Members Only)

(Members Only)

Educational Overview

Inflammation of the Heart Sac (Pericarditis) in Pets

What it is:


Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds and protects the heart. This condition can interfere with normal heart function and, in severe cases, restrict the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

Common causes:

• Bacterial or viral infections
  
  

• Immune-mediated inflammation
  
  

• Trauma or chest injury
  
  

• Tumors or cancer near the heart
  
  

• Idiopathic (unknown cause), especially in dogs
  
  
  

Common signs to watch for:

• Lethargy or weakness
  
  

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  
  

• Exercise intolerance
  
  

• Coughing
  
  

• Abdominal swelling (fluid buildup)
  
  

• Pale gums or collapse in advanced cases
  
  
  

Why it matters:


Inflammation may lead to fluid accumulation around the heart (pericardial effusion), which can compress the heart and cause a life-threatening condition called cardiac tamponade.

Diagnosis may include:

• Physical exam and heart auscultation
  
  

• Ultrasound (echocardiography)
  
  

• X-rays
  
  

• Blood tests
  
  

• Pericardial fluid analysis
  
  
  

SET OF

Educational Purposes

“In traditional herbal practice, certain plants were valued for supporting the heart and circulation, especially where heat, inflammation, or imbalance was thought to trouble the chest.

This was sometimes described as ‘inflammation of the heart sac’ in older texts.”