Cardiology in Dogs & Cats
Heart disease can affect dogs and cats of all ages, although some conditions are more common as pets get older. Signs of possible heart disease may include coughing, difficulty breathing, reduced exercise tolerance, weakness or fatigue. If you notice any changes in your pet’s breathing or activity levels, a veterinary examination can help determine whether an underlying heart condition is present.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring is an important part of assessing cardiovascular and overall health in dogs and cats. High blood pressure (hypertension) can occur with certain heart, kidney and other systemic conditions and may require ongoing monitoring and treatment.
Measuring blood pressure is a quick and non-invasive procedure using an inflatable cuff to measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Echocardiograms
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic examination that uses ultrasound to create detailed images of the heart. It can be used in dogs and cats to assess heart structure and function and to investigate suspected heart disease.
An echocardiogram can provide information about:
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Heart valve abnormalities
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Thickening of the heart muscle
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Enlargement or dilation of the heart chambers
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Cardiac masses
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Congenital heart abnormalities
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive procedure used to assess your pet’s heart rate and rhythm. It can help identify abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, and may be combined with other diagnostic tests to provide a more complete assessment of your pet’s cardiovascular health.
Thoracic Radiographs
Thoracic radiographs, also known as chest X-rays, are an important diagnostic tool for evaluating the heart and lungs. They can provide information about the size and shape of the heart, the lungs and other structures within the chest, and may help identify abnormalities such as fluid accumulation, lung changes or masses.
Thoracic radiographs may also be used alongside other diagnostic tests to monitor certain conditions and assess changes over time.