Cardiology: Heart Health for Pets
Heart disease can affect pets at any age, though it is more commonly diagnosed in older animals. While some heart conditions are serious and potentially life-threatening, early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly extend—and often improve—your pet’s quality of life. In some cases, especially when caught early, heart disease may even be curable.
Common heart conditions we diagnose and manage include:
- Congenital heart disease (present at birth)
- Valvular heart disease (malfunctioning heart valves)
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Heartworm disease
- Hyperthyroidism in cats, a common condition that can lead to secondary heart problems
- Congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs when the heart can no longer pump effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen
Heart murmurs are a frequent finding during routine exams. While some are harmless and require only monitoring, others may indicate underlying disease. Even in cases where murmurs or structural issues are present, pets can often live full, active lives for years with proper monitoring and care. Many forms of heart disease can be managed long-term with just a few medications, especially when detected early.
When a heart condition is suspected, we typically recommend a comprehensive cardiac evaluation, which may include:
- A physical exam and auscultation (listening to the heart)
- Chest radiographs (X-rays) to assess heart size and lung condition
- An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist
We are proud to work closely with a board-certified cardiologist who visits our hospital to perform echocardiograms and provide expert consultation. This noninvasive heart ultrasound gives us 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 helps determine the severity of heart disease, guides treatment recommendations, and helps assess long-term prognosis.
In addition, the cardiologist can evaluate your pet’s blood pressure, which is a critical part of heart health. Some conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and endocrine disorders, can cause elevated blood pressure (hypertension), which may lead to damage in organs such as the kidneys, eyes, lungs, or brain. Our cardiologist can assess whether elevated blood pressure is present, determine if it’s contributing to secondary health issues, and guide the most effective treatment approach.
A full cardiac workup—including chest X-rays, an echocardiogram, and consultation with the cardiologist—typically costs around $1,000, which is substantially less than most specialty or emergency centers charge. This allows us to offer advanced, expert-level care conveniently and affordably at our hospital.
If your pet is showing signs of heart trouble—such as coughing, rapid breathing, decreased energy, appetite changes, or weakness—please contact us. Early intervention makes a meaningful difference, and we’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way.
Contact Us
contactus@seacoastanimal.com
760-760-7973
Hours
Mon: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tues: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Weds: Closed
Thurs: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Fri: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sat/Sun: Closed