Cardiology

A heart problem can affect your pet at any age although it is more often found in older pets.

Heart failure occurs when the heart no longer has the ability to circulate blood effectively. If your pet is suffering from congestive heart failure you may notice difficulty breathing, frequent coughing and fatigue.

Heart Failure include: Congestive Heart Disease (animals born with a heart problem), Valvular Heart Disease (eg. Mitral insufficiency) and Arrhythmia (rhythm disturbances).

Many heart problems can be identified on physical examination. Screening tests are also available, such as proBNP for cats.

Additional tests are required to accurately identify the cause of heart disease and may include radiographs and ECHO. Heart disease is a serious life threatening condition but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can extend your pet’s life.