Pet Portal
Expert Heart Care for Your Pets
Just like humans, dogs and cats can experience heart problems that require special attention. Learning that your pet may have a heart condition can feel overwhelming, but our compassionate veterinary team is here to support you every step of the way. We have on staff a team of Board Certified Specialists in Cardiology, Radiology, Surgery, and Internal Medicine.
Understanding Veterinary Cardiology
Veterinary cardiology focuses on diagnosing and treating heart and circulatory system conditions in animals. Heart disease in cats and dogs can present in different ways, with some of the most common conditions including:
- Heart Murmurs: Abnormal sounds caused by blood flow in the heart, which may be harmless or indicate a serious issue.
- Congestive Heart Failure: A condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats that affect the heart’s function.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A condition where the heart muscle weakens and becomes enlarged.
- Valvular Heart Disease: Issues with the heart valves that can lead to more serious complications.
Signs of Heart Disease in Pets
Recognizing early symptoms of heart disease can make a significant difference in your pet’s health. Watch for:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fainting or collapsing
- Swollen abdomen
If your pet exhibits any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our veterinarians as soon as possible.
How We Diagnose Heart Conditions
When you bring your pet in for a heart health evaluation, we perform a comprehensive examination, which may include:
- Using a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds.
- X-rays: Imaging to assess heart size and potential fluid buildup.
- Ultrasound (Echocardiogram): A detailed heart scan to evaluate function and structure.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test measuring electrical activity to detect irregular heartbeats.
Treatment Options for Pet Heart Conditions
Based on the diagnosis, our veterinary team will create a tailored treatment plan that may include:
Commonly prescribed medications:
- Diuretics: Help remove excess fluid buildup.
- ACE Inhibitors: Lower blood pressure and reduce heart strain.
- Beta-Blockers: Control heart rate.
- Pimobendan: Improves heart function and blood flow.
Lifestyle Adjustments We may recommend:
- A low-sodium diet to ease heart strain.
- Weight management to prevent added stress on the heart.
- Moderate exercise to maintain overall health without overexertion.
Procedures and Advanced Care:
- Fluid Draining: If excess fluid builds up in the lungs or abdomen, we may perform a thoracocentesis (lung fluid removal) or abdominocentesis (abdominal fluid removal).
- Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like heart valve repair or pacemaker placement may be necessary.
- Oxygen Therapy: Pets struggling to breathe may require temporary oxygen support.
- Specialist Care: In complex cases, we may refer your pet to a veterinary cardiologist for specialized treatment such as catheterization or defibrillation.
Compassionate Heart Care for Your Pet
Heart conditions in pets can be concerning, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many dogs and cats can lead happy, healthy lives. If you suspect your pet has a heart problem, contact us today at (914) 395-1500 or book an appointment online.