Cardiology For Dogs and Cats

Like humans, dogs and cats can have heart problems that need special attention. Hearing that your dog or cat might have a heart problem can be overwhelming. But our compassionate, expert team will be with you every step of the way and answer any questions you may have. Rely on our team at Coastal Veterinary Hospital & Pet Resort for your pet's heart health and care.

What is Veterinary Cardiology?

Veterinary cardiology is a branch of veterinary medicine dedicated to the heart and circulatory system of animals. There are several types of cat and dog heart disease. Common heart issues in pets include:

• Heart Murmurs: These are unusual sounds made by blood flow in the heart. They can be harmless or indicate a problem.
• Congestive Heart Failure: This happens when a pet’s heart can't pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs or other parts of the body.
• Arrhythmias: These are irregular heartbeats that can affect how well the heart works.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): This is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weak.
• Valvular Heart Disease: This involves the heart valves not working properly, which can lead to further heart complications.

Signs Your Pet Might Have a Heart Problem

It’s important to recognize signs of potential heart issues in your pet. Here are some signs you should look out for:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fainting or collapsing
• Swollen abdomen

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit with our veterinarians at Coastal Veterinary Hospital & Pet Resort. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing pet heart disease.

Diagnosing Pet Cardiology Problems

When you visit with concerns about your pet’s heart, your veterinarian will provide a thorough examination of your cat or dog. This may include:

• Listening to the Heart: Your vet will use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal sounds.
• X-rays: These help visualize the heart and lungs to check for enlargement or fluid buildup.
• Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound): This test provides detailed images of the heart, allowing the vet to assess its function and structure.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This measures the heart's electrical activity to detect arrhythmias.

Pet Cardiology Treatment Options

After we confirm a diagnosis, we will discuss the treatment approaches that best fit your pet’s specific condition and address any questions you have. The following is a general overview of treatment options that may be recommended for some pets with cardiac conditions:

• Medications: Depending on your pet’s diagnosis, medications may be prescribed to support heart function or relieve symptoms. These may include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors to help relax blood vessels, beta blockers to manage heart rate, or pimobendan to help the heart pump more effectively.
• Lifestyle Changes: Changes such as feeding a lower-sodium diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and moderating exercise can help reduce strain on your pet’s heart and support long-term management.
• Fluid Draining: If fluid accumulates around the lungs or in the abdomen, it may need to be removed to help your pet breathe comfortably. Fluid around the lungs is removed through a procedure called a thoracocentesis, while fluid in the abdomen is removed through an abdominocentesis.
• Surgery: Certain heart conditions may require surgery, such as repairing congenital defects, addressing valve abnormalities, or placing a pacemaker when necessary.
• Oxygen Therapy: Pets experiencing breathing difficulties may need short-term oxygen support. Oxygen can be delivered in several ways, including an oxygen cage, nasal cannula or catheter, depending on your pet’s condition and comfort.
• Advanced Treatments: For more complex cases, a boarded veterinary cardiologist may be needed to provide specialized procedures such as cardiac catheterization, balloon valvuloplasty, or electrical defibrillation.

Veterinary Cardiology Referral Process

If your pet has a serious heart condition or requires specialized care, our vets may refer you to a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. Veterinary cardiologists have advanced training and equipment to handle complex heart issues. Here’s when a referral might be necessary:

• If your pet needs more advanced diagnostic tests that we can't perform at our hospital.
• If your pet's heart condition requires specialized treatment or management.
• If your pet's case is particularly complicated and needs an expert opinion.

If our veterinarians think your pet needs to see a cardiologist, they’ll explain why and help you set up a referral. The specialist will recommend and be able to perform any additional tests and create a detailed treatment plan, working alongside your primary vet to make sure your pet gets the best care possible.

Sometimes, you might only need to see a cardiologist once or twice for a diagnosis and treatment plan, and our veterinarians will handle follow-up care. In other cases, your pet might need to see the specialist more regularly for monitoring and adjustments to their treatment. Rest assured that we’ll work together to lay out a comprehensive health plan for your pet.

Cat and Dog Cardiology in Jacksonville

Dog and cat heart health problems can be concerning. But, with the proper care and treatment, many pets diagnosed with cardiac issues can continue to live healthy, happy lives. If you think your dog or cat might have a cardiac problem and might need to see a pet heart specialist, call us at (904) 223-4360 or book an appointment online below!