Cardiology

We at VMS are fortunate to have a board certified cardiologist who is committed to providing the best possible care for pets diagnosed with cardiac (heart) disease. As medical management options for cardiac disease have advanced over the recent years, we have improved our ability to diagnose and appropriately treat canine and feline patients.

Cardiac Disease and Congestive Heart Failure:
There are many different types of cardiac disease that occur in dogs and cats. Some diseases are congenital, meaning the pet was born with the heart problem, while other diseases are acquired, meaning that the pet has developed the problem with age. Most forms of cardiac disease in dogs and cats can eventually lead to congestive heart failure, a term used to describe excess fluid build up in the lungs, around the lungs, or in the abdominal cavity. Congestive heart failure can cause a wide variety of symptoms including coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, fainting, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping at night.

The Initial Cardiology Appointment:
During your initial consultation, our cardiologist will meet with you and your pet and will perform a complete cardiac examination. The consultation will include a discussion about your pet’s condition, options for further diagnostic tests, and possible treatment plans. All records provided by your family veterinarian will be reviewed.  

Diagnostic Test Options:
Once an examination has been completed, there are several additional tests that can be performed to accurately diagnose cardiac disease. These tests include:Boxer wearing a holter monitor and vest

  1. Thoracic radiographs (chest x-rays)
  2. ECG: Electrocardiogram (a rhythm strip to assess cardiac rhythm)
  3. Echocardiogram: a cardiac ultrasound
  4. Holter monitoring: A 24 hour ECG to assess cardiac rhythm over a longer period of time
  5. Bloodwork may be recommended to assess kidney function and electrolytes

These tests are used, separately or in combination, to assess your pet for cardiac disease and to manage his or her cardiac disease.

Cardiac Medications:
Most dogs and cats with significant cardiac disease will require treatment with medications. In general, dogs and cats can tolerate cardiac medications very well, but they can experience side effects. Before initiating therapy for heart disease, our cardiologist will review with you the potential side effects of any recommended medications, and include those considerations in any options for treatment.

Some types of cardiac medications used to treat heart disease include:

  1. Diuretics: medications used to manage congestive heart failure (fluid build up)
  2. ACE inhibitors: medications used in conjunction with diuretics to treat congestive heart failure
  3. Positive inotropes: medications used to support systolic (heart pump) function
  4. Antiarrhythmic medications to control abnormal heart rhythms
  5. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers: medications used to help the heart’s diastolic function (relaxation phase of the heart cycle)

Interventional Cardiology
As in human medicine, some types of heart disease can be treated with catheter based procedures known as interventional cardiology. This method uses a type of radiology called “fluoroscopy,” where catheters are inserted into arteries or veins to approach the heart. These catheters can then be used to place devices in the heart to close abnormal blood vessels or to dilate abnormal heart valves. Fluoroscopy can also be used to place permanent pacemaker devices in patients with abnormal heart rhythms.

Cardiac Surgery
Pericardial diseases (diseases of the sac around the heart) and some types of congenital heart disease can be managed with surgery.  Our VSA surgeons have expertise in this field, and if this is an option for your pet, our cardiologist will work closely with a VSA surgeon to formulate a surgical plan. They will talk to you about the goals of surgery and discuss if additional treatment options may help to improve your pet’s quality of life.

Cardiac Rechecks /Follow up:
The goal of our team is to provide you and your pet with long term support and management of your pet’s cardiac disease, and to ensure that result, our cardiologist and our cardiology nurses are available for phone updates, questions and concerns.  We work closely with your family veterinarian to maintain continuity of care, and we are also available directly for recheck appointments and recheck services in order to best support your pet.