Cardiology

When should we go for a cardiology consultation and examine our pet's heart?

1) When alarming symptoms characteristic of heart disease appear. These may include:

• coughing after exertion, at night, in the morning, when the temperature is high
• exercise intolerance (aversion to exertion, rapid fatigue when walking)
• fainting, syncope
• excessive wheezing, panting after exertion
• blue/cyanotic tongue
• dyspnea (rapid breathing, unusual breathing pattern)
• enlargement of the abdominal outline
• decrease in body weight especially decrease in muscle mass
• so-called “strong beating or palpitation of the heart”
• puppies that have poor weight gain, are not very active, stand out from the litter/pack

2) When the veterinarian hears a murmur or heart arrhythmia

3) In older animals over 7-8 years of age

4) Before a planned surgical/dental procedure or the need for general anesthesia especially in older animals

5) In breeding dogs prior to reproduction

6) When having predisposed breeds of dogs and cats (listed below)

Speaking of acquired heart defects, it is worth noting that it is often secondary to other systemic diseases, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or Borrelia-induced myocarditis, etc. In such situations, treatment of the underlying disease and possible supportive treatment is required. Neoplastic diseases, not uncommon in older animals, should also be taken into account.