Heart Care
Regular cardiac check-ups are essential for animals aged 7 years and above. At our facility, we utilize advanced diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, electrocardiography, radiographs, blood pressure checks, Holter monitor recordings, and cardiac catheterization when necessary to accurately diagnose heart disease in animals. These tests, combined with a thorough physical examination, allow us to determine the best treatment options for each patient. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy significantly contribute to the pet's longevity and overall well-being.
Heart diseases are relatively common in animals but can be effectively managed in most cases. We strongly advise pet owners to bring their pets for a checkup if they exhibit the following symptoms.
Additionally, we recommend routine annual cardiac checks for animals over 7 years of age:
- Coughing
- Breathing problems, excessive panting, or shortness of breath
- Weakness, fainting, or collapse
- Arterial hypertension (elevated systemic blood pressure)
- Pulmonary hypertension (elevated lung blood pressure)
- Lethargy
- Failure to grow
- Rapid weight loss
- Potbelly due to fluid buildup
The goals of a cardiologic consultation are as follows:
- Prevention of heart failure
- Safe and effective long-term health management
- Improvement and maintenance of the quality of life
- Assessment of the risk of anesthesia
Our comprehensive cardiac care focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and lungs, including:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Heart muscle diseases (such as dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
- Age-related changes to the valves of the heart (degenerative mitral valve disease)
- Coughing and other breathing problems
- Congenital (present at birth) heart defects
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Diseases of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart)
- Cardiac tumors
- High blood pressure
- Pulmonary hypertension
We employ various treatment modalities to address these conditions:
Medical cardiology: This involves managing heart diseases, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and chronic respiratory diseases with medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, inotropes, and other appropriate medications.
Interventional cardiology: Certain cardiac disorders can be rectified through the use of catheters and/or instruments inserted into the beating heart. This includes procedures such as pacemaker implantation, balloon dilation of valve stenosis, and closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Cardiac surgery: Our facility is equipped to perform both basic and advanced types of cardiac surgeries to correct a variety of congenital and acquired heart diseases.
