Veterinary cardiology helps diagnose, treat and prevent cardiovascular diseases that can affect your pet’s physical activity, energy and longevity. Cardiovascular failure is more common in dogs than in cats and is most common in animals over 5-6 years of age.
The clinical manifestations of the syndrome can be very variable: exercise intolerance, weight loss, fainting, abdominal enlargement, coughing or dyspnea.
Diagnosis of diseases of the cardiovascular system
The cardiovascular system is examined in order to diagnose diseases of this system, which can be of both primary and secondary origin. When examining the heart, its area is examined, palpated, auscultated, and percussed, and if necessary, special examination methods are applied (ECG, echocardiography, radiography). Auxiliary examination methods are also applied (blood morphological and biochemical tests; brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). When examining blood vessels, the pulse is palpated, its quality is assessed, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures are measured.
Our services
- Cardiologist consultation – a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the heart and blood vessels.
- Echocardiography – an ultrasound examination of the structure and function of the heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – an assessment of the electrical activity of the heart.
- Blood pressure measurement and monitoring – systolic and diastolic blood pressures are measured.
- Individual treatment plan development – based on the established diagnosis and the needs of the pet.
The most common diseases of the cardiovascular system
Endocardiosis
This is the most common (approximately 75% of heart diseases in dogs) cardiac pathology in older (from 6-7 years) small and medium breed dogs. Large breed dogs are affected much less often, but in large breed dogs the disease progresses faster, myocardial dysfunction is more pronounced and the prognosis is more cautious.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dogs are affected much more often than cats, and the condition is much more common in purebred dogs than in crossbreeds. Irish wolfhounds, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Leonbergers, Dobermans, Finnish Hounds, Boxers, Giant Schnauzers, English Cocker Spaniels, Smooth-Coated Retrievers, and Airedale Terriers are prone to the disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy affects middle-aged and older dogs (4 to 10 years old, most often 7 to 8 years old). In addition, male dogs are more likely to suffer from DCM.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Cats are less likely to develop heart disease than dogs, but they are much more likely to develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Most often, 7-8-year-old cats suffer from HKM, more often – males. However, cats from 8 months to 16 years and older can develop HCM. The condition is more common in Persians (males are more likely to develop it) and Maine Coons (the incidence is similar between males and females), but other breeds of cats (e.g., Canadian Sphynxes, British Shorthairs, and exotic cats) are also affected.
Our veterinary specialists care for each patient with love and professionalism, using advanced diagnostic methods and applying individual treatment plans. If you notice that your pet is getting tired easily, breathing frequently, coughing, or has changed behavior, do not delay – these may be signs of heart disease.
Aidas Grigonis
VeterinarianVeterinarian Dr. Aidas Grigonis specializes in cardiology and consults animals with pathologies of the cardiovascular system.