Cardiology

Our clinic consults with an external heart specialist for all issues related to the cardiovascular system and heart disease. Our external specialist sees patients at the clinic for both emergencies and planned appointments. If you need to consult the specialist, he will examine your animal, perform a cardiac ultrasound and other tests if necessary, discuss your pet’s condition with you and establish a treatment plan in consultation with our veterinary team. Follow-up will be carried out at our clinic by our animal health team.

Are there warning signs of heart problem to watch for?

If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, contact us straight away. It might be a sign of a heart problem, but it’s best to check.

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing even while resting
• Difficulty exercising
• Unusual swelling (including the abdomen)
• Fainting or weakness
• Agitation and restlessness (particularly at night)

What kinds of heart disease affect dogs and cats?

The common form of heart disease for cats is cardiomyopathy, which involves the heart muscle. Heart problems in cats can often go unnoticed, because they show very few symptoms until the disease reaches more advanced stages. It is therefore very important to bring in your pet for annual checkups.

Heart valve problems are a common issue for dogs. They are also susceptible to cardiomyopathy, and to heartworm disease if they have not received adequate preventative protection.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that a veterinarian detects while listening to an animal’s heart. The sound results from turbulent blood flow due to how fast blood is flowing or an abnormal structure. A heart murmur can be benign and may not always cause a heart problem right away.