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Understanding Heart Disease in Pets of All Ages
Although heart problems are found more often in older pets, these conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is usually a life-threatening condition, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life.
We can discover many heart problems during a physical exam. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), radiographs (x-rays), and ultrasounds, are usually needed to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease or failure.
If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be cured.
Specialized Cardiac Care for Your Beloved Pets
Just like people, dogs and cats can develop heart issues that need expert care. Discovering your pet has a heart condition can be overwhelming, but our caring veterinary team is here to guide and support you throughout the process. We’re proud to have Board Certified Specialists in Cardiology, Radiology, Surgery, and Internal Medicine on staff to provide the highest level of care.
Understanding Veterinary Cardiology
Veterinary cardiology specializes in diagnosing and treating heart and circulatory system disorders in animals. Heart disease in cats and dogs can manifest in various forms, with some of the most common conditions being:
- Heart Murmurs: Unusual sounds caused by blood flow within the heart, which can be harmless or signal a more serious problem.
- Congestive Heart Failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, resulting in fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen.
- Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms that disrupt the heart’s normal function.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A disease characterized by weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle.
- Valvular Heart Disease: Disorders affecting the heart valves that may cause significant complications.
Signs of Heart Disease in Pets
Noticing early signs of heart disease can greatly impact your pet’s well-being. Keep an eye out for:
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Labored or rapid breathing
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Episodes of fainting or collapse
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, please contact our veterinarians promptly to schedule an appointment.
How We Diagnose Heart Conditions
When you bring your pet in for a heart health assessment, we conduct a thorough examination that may involve:
- Listening with a stethoscope to identify any abnormal heart sounds.
- Taking X-rays to evaluate heart size and check for fluid accumulation.
- Performing an ultrasound (echocardiogram) to closely examine heart function and structure.
- Conducting an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity and detect irregular rhythms.
Treatment Options for Pet Heart Conditions
Following the diagnosis, our veterinary team will develop a personalized treatment plan that may involve:
Commonly Prescribed Medications
- Diuretics: Aid in eliminating excess fluid buildup.
- ACE Inhibitors: Reduce blood pressure and ease strain on the heart.
- Beta-Blockers: Regulate heart rate.
- Pimobendan: Enhances heart performance and improves blood circulation.
Recommended Lifestyle Adjustments
- Dietary Modifications: Implement a low-sodium dietary regimen to mitigate cardiac exertion.
- Weight Management: Pursue optimal weight management to alleviate undue stress on the cardiovascular system.
- Physical Activity: Engage in consistent, moderate physical exercise to support overall health and well-being without excessive strain.
Procedures and Advanced Care
- Fluid Drainage: If excess fluid accumulates in the lungs or abdomen, we may perform thoracocentesis (removal of lung fluid) or abdominocentesis (removal of abdominal fluid).
- Surgery: In advanced cases, procedures such as heart valve repair or pacemaker implantation might be needed.
- Oxygen Therapy: Pets having difficulty breathing may receive temporary oxygen support.
- Specialist Care: For complex cases, we may refer your pet to a veterinary cardiologist for specialized treatments like catheterization or defibrillation.
Compassionate Heart Care for Your Pet
Heart conditions in pets can be worrisome, but with accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, many dogs and cats continue to live happy, healthy lives. If you think your pet may have a heart issue, don’t hesitate to call us at or schedule an appointment online today.