Cardiology

Your pet’s heart isn’t only the place where they keep all their love for you but a vital organ that pumps blood throughout their body. Pets deal with some of the heart conditions we do, like heart disease. Regardless of the condition, your pet is dealing with, our veterinary team is here to support you throughout your pet’s diagnosis, with the highest level of care. 

What is heart disease in pets?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions or issues that affects the ability of your furry friend’s heart to function. It’s important to be aware of the signs of heart disease because the earlier we detect it, the more we can effectively treat your pet. If you notice any of the signs below in your pet, please contact us at 604-464-6666. Some symptoms of heart disease include: 

• Shortness of breath 
• Shallow breathing
• Dry cough 
• Tiredness 
• Fainting or dizziness 
• Sudden weight loss 

How do you diagnose heart disease in pets?

If you suspect your pet has heart disease, our veterinary team will run a series of tests to get an accurate diagnosis. The first step is listening to your pet’s heart for murmurs with a stethoscope. Murmurs are abnormal sounds in your pet’s heart, which could be a sign that their blood flow is irregular. To confirm the cause of this, we’ll recommend further testing, like X-rays, bloodwork, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Based on your pet’s diagnosis, we’ll create an extensive treatment plan to ensure your pet’s quality of life isn’t impacted by heart disease. 

Is it preventable?

Some pets are predisposed to heart disease because of genetics. In other cases, you can take steps to help your pet from developing it. For example, heartworms can cause heart disease. Your pet can be protected against these parasites if they have a parasite control plan, which includes taking a monthly medication.