Although heart problems are found more often in older pets, these conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is usually a life-threatening condition, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be cured.
At Byron animal clinic, we have many tools we can use to diagnose heart disease. including:
- a thorough history and physical exam
- auscultation of the chest (listening to heart and lungs with a stethoscope)
- blood tests for cardiac proBNP
- EKG tracings
- Chest x-rays
- P.O.C.U.S. Ultrasoud
- Referral for Cardiac Ultrasound
- Referral to a Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist
Heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. If an animal is suffering from CHF, fluid usually accumulates in and around the lungs and sometimes in the abdomen. Congenital heart disease (animals born with a heart problem), valvular heart disease (abnormalities of the heart valves), arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances), and heartworm disease can all lead to CHF.
Call us at (519) 472-3770 if your pet starts breathing rapidly or coughing, loses his or her appetite, tires easily, seems weak, or has trouble exercising or sleeping. There are many treatment options for heart disease.
