Nobody likes their dog or cat to be unwell, and it can be hard to find a trustworthy veterinarian to entrust their care to. A cardiologist is an advanced specialist who has extensive Diagnostic Imaging experience in managing your pet’s heart and circulatory system. This type of Veterinarian can diagnose conditions and problems and advise pet parents on the best course of treatment.
Cardiological problems can be very distressing for your pet, and the tests and processes we need to carry out can cause anxiety and stress from both the patient and their owner. We work with you to help keep this discomfort to a minimum. Our trained team have a great deal of experience when dealing with nervous patients and will ensure that every step of the process is carried out with minimal distress.
The Next Steps
We put our patients at the center of every decision and will work closely with you to come up with the best treatment plan for your pet. We use pets’ individual medical histories to help inform our diagnosis, and this means that we can carefully craft them a personalized, tailored action plan which is the best fit for their needs.
Hearing that your pet needs a cardiologist can be scary, but we can be the helping hand you need. Dr. Gower is a highly experienced veterinarian with extensive experience in helping to treat cardiological issues in dogs and cats. Most importantly, he has a genuine respect and compassion for all pets, and will always put the needs of your family at the forefront of every decision, treatment, and aspect of pet healthcare.
Symptoms of Heart or Respiratory Disease
There are some symptoms which can indicate that your pet needs to see a cardiologist, and these include:
- Coughing – Coughing is a common symptom in dogs, and less so in cats, though some still exhibit this. This can be a sign of problems with the respiratory system and may show asthma, airway issues, and lung disease. Coughing is most commonly seen when lying down, after drinking water, after exercise, or consistently throughout the day.
- Difficulty breathing – This is one of the most common symptoms in both dogs and cats and may express itself as rapid, shallow breaths when breathing in and out. This can be a symptom of Congestive Heart Failure, and they must seek immediate veterinary attention.
- Fainting – Fainting or syncope is common if your pet is suffering from abnormalities or irregular heart rhythm.
- Reduced ability to exercise – If you notice your pet becoming reluctant to play and exercise, showing lethargy, fatigue, or weakness, this could be a sign of heart disease.
- Loss of appetite – Owners should carefully monitor a change in appetite which can show an underlying problem. Their preference may change – you may find that they go off their favorite food, or stop eating altogether.
- Weight Loss – Weight loss can also indicate heart disease, as it shows that things are not functioning the way they should. Muscle loss is also a cause for concern and you should get in touch for a check-up.
- Behavior changes – If you notice your pet behaving strangely, or totally out of character, this can be a sign that something is going on with their health. Cats, in particular, are very good at hiding illnesses, so a slight change in behavior can be the first indication an owner gets that something is wrong.
- Weakness in the rear end – Heart disease can impact the effectiveness with which blood is pumped around the body, and this can reveal itself as a weakness in the back legs. Paralysis or constantly cold hindquarters are also a warning sign, so get in touch ASAP.
Possible Diagnostic Procedures
Some of the most common diagnostic procedures for tackling heart disease include:
- Physical examination – This is the first step in any diagnosis and will help Dr. Gower to get a better overview of the situation.
- Ultrasound – Non-invasive option
- X-Rays – X rays of the chest allow the vet to monitor the severity of heart disease, as well as aid in initial diagnosis. Dr. Gower can use X-rays to see the size, shape, and location of the heart and lungs, look for any fluids, and monitor any warning signs.
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
- Holter monitor
- Blood tests
Treatment
Dr. Gower will work closely with you to help determine the best course of treatment for your individual pet. Cold laser therapy is a popular option; this is a noninvasive procedure, and so less stressful for both patient and owner. Light is used on the surface of the skin to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation – both important factors when tackling heart disease.
Get In Touch
Here at Woods Avenue Animal Clinic, we make your pet our only priority. We work closely with owners to customize treatment plans and work on the best course of action for your pet. Getting in touch is fast and easy through your phone! We also offer in-home consultations if this is the easiest solution for your pet.
Rest assured that your pet is in the best hands and get in touch today to help us achieve the best care for your cat or dog.
