Cardiology for Heart Disease

How can it help?

It is important that we investigate heart murmurs, or other inconsistencies, we hear in otherwise healthy pets so that we can start treatment early, to help support the heart and improve long term outcomes.

With heart problems affecting around 10% of dogs and 15% of cats, it is a common problem in our furry friends. Often our pets do not show any symptoms of a heart problem until the later stages of disease which can prove difficult to manage and treat.

Common Symptoms of Heart Disease?

Heart disease can present with many different clinical signs, but common symptoms of heart disease in dogs and cats are:

• Heart murmur and/or arrythmia on physical exam

• Coughing

• Increased breathing rate or effort

• Exercise intolerance

• Fainting/collapse

What Tools do you have to Assess Heart Disease?

Chest X-rays: Allow us to image the lungs and the heart. We check for heart enlargement, assess for concurrent lung disease and look for signs of congestive heart failure. You can learn more about X-ray and Ultra-sound page.

Cardiac Ultrasound (Echo): With this we can get a more detailed view of the heart chambers, heart valves and blood flow. Allowing us to diagnose the condition that is causing the problem. We can also assess for risk factors such as blood clots. You can learn more about X-ray and Ultra-sound page.

ECG (Electrocardiogram): to assess the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart. This allows us to track abnormal beats and locate where they are likely to be originating from.  This guides what medication we may use to improve the rhythm.

Blood work: This helps us identify any underlying or concurrent diseases. It is also important to assess your pet’s kidney and electrolyte parameters when considering treatments such as diuretics for congestive heart failure. You can learn more about blood tests here.

Blood pressure: Blood pressure is often an early sign associated with heart diseases.  Like humans it can be caused by many things, and can be a symptom, or cause of the progression of heart problems.  Checking blood pressure is non-invasive by placing a small inflatable cuff placed around your pet’s paw or tail.  

What are Common Heart Conditions diagnosed in Dogs & Cats?

• Mitral valve disease (dogs)

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (dogs)

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cats)

• Congenital heart disease (dogs and cats)

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