Cardiology (Heart)

Service

Many people are surprised the first time they hear about dog cardiology. They were not aware that dogs can have heart problems just like people, but they can and they do. In fact, your dog can experience heart murmurs, blocked arteries, and high blood pressure (hypertension) just like you, which calls for a certain level of specialty care. If your primary care veterinarian suspects that your dog has heart issues she may refer you to a dog cardiologist for a further diagnosis.

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. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be cured. Heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. If an animal is suffering from CHF, fluid usually accumulates in and around the lungs and sometimes in the abdomen.

Congenital heart disease (animals born with a heart problem), valvular heart disease (abnormalities of the heart valves), arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances), and heartworm disease can all lead to CHF. Call us if your pet starts breathing rapidly or coughing, loses his or her appetite, tires easily, seems weak, or has trouble exercising. 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.

All kinds of services for cats and dogs!

Please contact us if you have any questions about these procedures or if you think your pet might benefit from them.

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