Through expert medical management and advanced imaging techniques, a board certified Cardiologist can be a critical component of your pet’s total health care team.
While some cardiac conditions may be serious, many heart diseases are manageable on an outpatient basis and allow for a good quality of life. Early diagnosis and effective treatment will increase your pet’s opportunity to live a normal life.
Heart disease is usually broken down into two large categories:
- Congenital heart diseases are cardiac abnormalities that your pet has been born with.
- Acquired heart diseases are absent at birth but develop as your pet grows older.
Pets that exhibit any of the following symptoms may benefit from a cardiac evaluation:
- Heart murmur
- Shortness of breath or breathing problems
- Chronic cough
- Heart arrhythmia (irregular heart beat)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Congenital heart defects
- Fainting
- Fluid accumulation in chest or abdomen
- Exercise intolerance
Pets at risk for anesthesia may also be evaluated by our cardiologist to assess possible risk to develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnostics
- Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- Event Recorder & Holter Monitor
- Radiography (X-Rays)
- Ultrasound
Helpful Links
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals