Cardiology for Dogs & Cats
Senior pets can develop a deforming of the valves, or changes in the structure of the heart called cardiomyopathy, both of which can lead to an enlargement of the heart and ultimately, congestive heart failure. Some of these changes can initially be detected by listening to the heart during your pet’s examination and the veterinarian hearing a “murmur” (turbulence of blood flow through the heart) or an abnormality in your pet’s heart rate and/or rhythm.
In order to fully diagnose a heart condition such as congestive heart failure, further diagnostics frequently are required. Dr. Fox can perform on-site cardiac diagnostics, which can then be sent to a board-certified cardiologist for further examination. We can then formulate a medical regimen to help control the symptoms of heart failure.
Performing these services in our hospital leads to a more stress-free procedure for your and your pet!
Symptoms of pet congestive heart failure are:
- Coughing, which can be worse at night and with exercise
- Lethargy
- Increased respiration
- Fainting
- Anorexia (not eating)
Diagnostics & Tests include:
- Echocardiogram
- Radiography
- Blood pressure evaluation
- EKG monitoring – tests