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 Animal Care Center of Castle Pines 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 Animal Care Center of Castle Pines. 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.
• Ultrasound (Echocardiogram): 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

Once our vet has a diagnosis, we will recommend a treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. Here’s a quick overview of treatment options for cats and dogs with cardiology conditions:

• Medications: Your pet might need medications like diuretics (to get rid of fluid), ACE inhibitors (to lower blood pressure), or beta-blockers (to control heart rate). Pimobendan, which helps the heart pump better, is another common heart medication for pets.
• Lifestyle Changes: A low-sodium diet, keeping your pet at a healthy weight, and cutting back on intense exercise can all help take the strain off your pets heart.
• Fluid Draining: If there’s fluid buildup in your pet's lungs or belly, your vet might need to drain it through one of two common veterinary procedures. If your pet has fluid in their lungs, they might need a procedure called a thoracocentesis . If they have fluid in their abdomen, this procedure is called an abdominocentesis .
• Surgery: In some cases, heart surgeries like fixing valves or installing a pacemaker may be necessary.
• Oxygen Therapy: Pets with breathing trouble might need short-term oxygen to stabilize them. Oxygen therapy can be administered by our veterinary team in several different ways depending on your pet’s unique situation, including an oxygen collar, an oxygen cage, a nasal catheter, and more.
• Advanced Treatments: A cardiology vet may offer advanced treatments like heart catheterization or defibrillation for more serious cardiac issues.

Vet Cardiology Referral Process

If your pet has a serious heart condition or requires specialized care, our vets may refer you to a veterinary cardiologist. Veterinary cardiac specialists 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 send over a referral letter. Then, you will simply need to contact the specialist’s office to schedule your appointment. The specialist will 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 Castle Rock

Dog and cat heart health problems can be concerning. But, with the proper care and treatment, 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 (303) 688-3660 or book an appointment online below!