Common Heart Conditions in Pets

Our team is experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide range of cardiac conditions in dogs and cats, including:

• Congenital heart disease (present at birth)
• Valvular heart disease affecting heart valve function
• Arrhythmias (irregular or abnormal heart rhythms)
• Heartworm disease
• Hyperthyroidism in cats, which can contribute to secondary heart complications
• Congestive heart failure (CHF), where the heart cannot pump efficiently, leading to fluid buildup

Heart murmurs in pets are frequently detected during routine veterinary visits. While some murmurs are harmless and only require monitoring, others may indicate underlying heart disease. Even with structural abnormalities, many pets can live active, comfortable lives for years with proper care. With early diagnosis, several forms of pet heart disease can be successfully managed using medications and regular monitoring.

Cardiac Evaluation & Diagnostic Testing

If a heart condition is suspected, we recommend a complete cardiac evaluation for pets to accurately assess heart health. This may include:

• A detailed physical exam and auscultation (listening to heart sounds)
• Chest radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate heart size and lung condition
• An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist

We work closely with a board-certified cardiologist who visits our hospital to perform echocardiograms and provide expert consultation. This non-invasive diagnostic tool offers a real-time view of the heart’s structure and function. It rarely requires sedation and usually does not require shaving your pet’s fur. The echocardiogram plays a key role in determining the severity of heart disease in dogs and cats, guiding treatment decisions, and evaluating long-term prognosis.

Blood Pressure & Heart Health Monitoring

As part of a comprehensive cardiology assessment, your pet’s blood pressure is carefully evaluated. Maintaining normal blood pressure is essential, as conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, and endocrine disorders can lead to hypertension. Elevated blood pressure may result in damage to vital organs including the kidneys, eyes, lungs, and brain. Our cardiology team helps identify these risks early and provides targeted treatment to support overall pet cardiovascular health.

Advanced Care That’s Accessible

A complete cardiac workup—including chest X-rays, echocardiography, and consultation with a cardiologist—typically costs around $1,000, making it more affordable than many specialty or emergency veterinary centers. This allows us to deliver advanced, high-quality veterinary heart care for pets in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If your pet shows any signs of heart problems, it’s important to seek veterinary attention promptly. Watch for symptoms such as:

• Persistent coughing
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Decreased energy levels
• Changes in appetite
• Weakness or lethargy

Early diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in pets can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. Our team is committed to supporting your pet’s heart health every step of the way, ensuring long-term comfort and well-being.