Alerting Signals That Your Dog or Cat Might Be Suffering a Cardiovascular Problem
We as humans suffer the same as cats and dogs when it comes to problems in the heart. Cardiac problems are quite common with both young and old animals; thankfully, proper treatment for heart disease can resolve or treat these complications. If you believe your animal has some signs and symptoms that might have to do with some cardiovascular problem, it is best to check in with a Veterinary Cardiologist near you. Especially since Veterinary Cardiologists already have the experience and equipment to diagnose and treat heart-related conditions for your pets.
Going to a veterinary cardiologist can give you faster access to care to reduce the risks of complications and improve your pet’s care. Even so, a Veterinary Cardiologist will require long-term monitoring of your animal, so having a specialist will ensure having those daily checkups either if needed or adjusting treatment so at the end of the day, your pet has improving chances to have a happy and healthier life.
What Is Heart Disease in Pets?
Heart diseases are often referred to as cardiovascular problems. They are described as caused by the heart, which starts to affect your skeletal structure and the ability to control the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat.
As a result, you might begin noticing reduced blood flow and oxygen supply. You might also notice failure or complications with cardiac functions, just as it would happen with humans. These disorders or abnormalities can lead to heart failure; furthermore, as the heart starts pumping less and less blood, your pet’s internal organs will begin having difficulty functioning. Some common types of heart diseases are:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
A condition where the heart muscles become weak and stretch to the point of reducing contraction for the heart. As a result, your pet will experience decreased blood pumping. This condition is most common in dog breeds like Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
The heart’s chambers start to thicken, so it makes it harder to pump blood to the heart and is common in cats like breed of Maine Coons.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
A heart disease where the mitral valve starts to weaken. As it degenerates, there is less control in blood flow between the atrium and ventricle. Usually seen in medium-sized dog breeds.
Arrhythmias
Irregular heart rhythms can later result in bradycardia (fast heartbeats) or tachycardia (slow heartbeats). This leads to fainting or poor blood circulation.
Congenital heart disease
A heart abnormality is shown at birth and affects the functions and structure of a heart.
Congestive Heart Disease (CHF)
A condition where blood fails to pump to the heart, causing fluid to build up in the lungs or other parts of the body.
What Are the Alerting Signals of a Cardiovascular Problem in My Cat?
Cardiovascular problems are not common in cats, but they can still get them. For instance, a common type of disease would be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which starts to thicken the heart and some cases, creates symptoms around the cat’s body. When it comes to figuring out if your cat has cardiovascular problems, it becomes a bit tricky because they do not display as easily as humans or dogs do. Just start recognizing if the cat starts to decline the activities it used to do before. Once you know if the cat starts to sleep more, hide under objects or not, go regularly on some walks inside or outside. The most common signs of heart disease in a cat would be weight loss, collapse, poor appetite, lack of energy, or increase in panting. If you see any of these, you should immediately seek a Veterinary Cardiology Anaheim if possible because early detection will improve the diagnosis for your feline friend.
What Are the Alerting Signals of a Cardiovascular Problem in My Dog?
Unfortunately, it is common to spot dogs who can suffer from cardiovascular problems. However, it is a bit difficult for them to tell us they are in pain. Unlike us, when pets need help, they can’t seek it on their own. There, it is up to us as pet owners to figure out a dog cardiologist near you and spot the early signs so we can help our pets out. Some common signs that will occur with dogs would be constant coughing, collapsing, having difficulties breathing, stomach swelling, or change of behavior. In this case, always remember that the signs depend on what heart condition is occurring to your canine friend and if it is experiencing any of those signs that seek immediate attention.
How Does a Vet Diagnose a Cardiovascular Problem in My Pet?
A veterinary cardiologist has to perform a comprehensive evaluation related to the medical history and potential signs of a cardiovascular problem. That way, the veterinarian will diagnose a cardiovascular problem. We can determine if your pet has a cardiovascular problem by performing a physical examination and looking at the previous test and the images that were taken from the pet.
Then comes the other resources a veterinary cardiologist may employ, like x-rays, blood tests, Holter Monitor echocardiography, and electrocardiography. Typically, these diagnoses are going to have a cost that would range between $100 to $500. It is best to find pet echocardiograms near you so it is easier for you and the animal to figure out what are the type of risk factors the animal might be experiencing as early as possible.
For instance, a Veterinary Cardiologist might use a color flow test, which is an imaging technique to see the blood flow within the animal’s body’s blood vessels and organs. A type of ultrasound but instead just has colors rather than black and white to see the direction and speed of the blood flow. Once there is all the diagnostic information, it will be easier for the Veterinary Cardiologist to identify and manage the problem the animal might have.
What Is a PET Scan of the Heart?
A PET scan, also known as Positron Emission Tomography, is an imaging test where you can see the blood flow to the heart and functions to determine the cardiac conditions. Similarly, you should keep in mind that a PET scan serves the same purpose as a CT or MRI in humans.
Why Is My Dog Panting So Much?
There are a range of factors your dog could be panting, but as an owner, you need to consider the symptoms the dog is displaying. Common reasons could be stress, obesity, discomfort, stress, exercise, medication side effects, infection, or allergies. However, if your dog is continuously panting, then it is best to consult with an Animal cardiologist near you.
Contact Us At CASE Animal Hospital For Make An Appointment
As pet owners, we care about our pet’s health and well-being, especially since we already provide our furry animals with the love, attention, and care every single day for them to have the lives they want. However, our pets are like us, and they can also face health challenges like heart issues.
Having the ability to detect early is important in providing the best care for your loving animals when it comes to heart disease in all breeds and ages of cats and dogs.
There, we invite you to make an appointment for a heart diagnosis for your pet at CASE Animal Hospital located in Anaheim, CA, where the team will go through examinations explaining the cardiovascular health your animal might be experiencing. In the end, we might recommend additional diagnostic testing so your animal has the best evaluation it needs to have a healthy life.
Please do not wait until symptoms appear; instead, book a heart diagnosis appointment with us. You can call by dialing (657) 999-1150, and we will ensure that your animal will be well cared for.
