Not all pets with heart disease show immediate or obvious symptoms. Some warning signs may develop gradually, while others can appear suddenly. Pets experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, fainting episodes, lethargy, or reduced tolerance for activity should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Routine wellness exams with your primary veterinarian are essential, as heart murmurs or rhythm abnormalities are often detected before clinical signs appear. Early referral to a veterinary cardiologist allows for timely intervention and improved long-term outcomes.

In order to be able to provide the best possible care for your ailing furry family member, our doctors need to know exactly what’s going on with your dog or cat’s heart. To do this, CASE Animal Hospital utilizes the most advanced diagnostic equipment and testing protocols.

Diagnostic testing may include echocardiography to assess heart size and valve function, electrocardiography to evaluate heart rhythm, blood pressure measurement, digital radiography, fluoroscopy, and laboratory testing. In some cases, Holter monitoring or cardiac event recording is used to evaluate intermittent arrhythmias over an extended period.

These diagnostic tools allow our specialists to tailor treatment plans with precision and monitor disease progression over time.