Cardiology is a medical branch that treats the cardiovascular system, which involves the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiologists can diagnose and help develop the treatment protocol for pets suffering from:
- Heart failure
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Dilated and Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Heart valve disorders
The interconnected functioning of the pet's heart and lungs means that the cardiologist must also be familiar with pulmonary diseases and other conditions of the thorax. Even though general veterinarians can diagnose and treat many conditions, treatments of heart disorders require specialized and thorough training in cardiology.
Heart diseases in dogs affect 1 in 10 dogs around the world.
It is a condition that involves a heart abnormality.
Congenital heart disease in dogs is present at birth and inherited from parents. Acquired heart disease usually occurs in older animals due to the wear of the heart structures, but it can also be a consequence of an injury or an infection.
There are a few common causes of congenital heart diseases, including:
- Aortic stenosis (or sub-aortic stenosis)
- Pulmonary stenosis
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- Persistent right aortic arch
Heart failure arises when the heart can no longer support the endocrine system. Even though the patient will not show any apparent symptoms of heart failure until the condition advances, grown dogs usually show certain common signs.
Several common symptoms of heart failure in dogs include:
- persistent cough
- edema
- rapid breathing
Symptoms of heart problems in dogs:
There are several possible symptoms of heart problems in dogs that owners can recognize, including:
- Lethargy/weakness/training intolerance
- Difficulties or interruptions of training
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, together with the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and chest
- Fast breathing during resting
- Fainting/ collapsing
- Chronic cough
- Regularly elevated pulse
Considering these heart disorder symptoms in dogs can point to only one of many possible conditions and potentially something unrelated to the cardiovascular system, we recommend setting up an appointment with the veterinarian if you suspect something unusual.
Early detection is crucial for the treatment of heart disorders in dogs:
A heart examination is one of the most effective diagnostic tools for detecting heart disorders.
During the heart examination a trained cardiologist will use some or all of the following procedures:
- Physical examination: We use a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds in the heart and lungs of your pet.
- Ultrasound examination: We check and measure the heart chamber, valves, and muscles, as well as the main coronary vessels, by using sound waves. It is a painless and non-invasive procedure.
- Blood pressure: We take the blood pressure values of your pet to check for hyper or hypotension
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): We measure the electric activity of your dog's heart to diagnose a heart arrhythmia, among other conditions.
- X-rays: With a diagnostic image, such as an X-ray, we can see the size of the heart, its position in the chest, and the general condition of the lungs.
- Blood analysis: We can thoroughly analyze the blood to discover chemical deficiencies or surpluses that point to cardiovascular problems.
Treatments
Choosing the right medicine and its dosage will depend on the diagnosis and the stage of the heart disorder.
Regular check-ups are vital for determining the treatment's efficiency and response.
This information will help our vets ensure the best possible results in treating your pet - as long as possible. We will help you give them the best possible quality of life.
Our cardiologist will work with you and your dpet to determine the best action plan.
It will include various factors, such as existing medical conditions, age, and potential quality of life resulting from further medical intervention.
Please schedule an appointment for your pet's complete cardiac check-up.