CARDIOLOGY
Areas of Cardiology
Cardiology deals with diseases of the heart and circulatory system, encompassing all congenital or acquired conditions of the cardiovascular system. These conditions affect dogs and cats alike – early diagnosis and therapy improve the quality of life for numerous patients.
Our range of services in cardiology includes the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases in dogs and cats. With state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic procedures, we offer a precise assessment of your pet’s heart health.
A cardiac evaluation may be necessary based on specific symptoms (such as rapid/labored breathing, reduced tolerance for exercise, staggering/fainting episodes) or abnormalities found during a clinical examination (e.g., heart murmurs, gallop rhythm, arrhythmias, weak pulse).
The foundation of a cardiological evaluation is a detailed preliminary report and clinical examination. Depending on the findings, a further diagnostic plan will be developed.
Our diagnostic capabilities include:
DIAGNOSTIC
Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound)
This involves an assessment of the heart structures using ultrasound: Is there enlargement of the chambers or atria? How well does the heart contract? Are there valve leaks, stenoses, or other defects present?
Assessment is typically performed using cardiac ultrasound on awake patients. Please administer any prescribed medications on the day of the appointment.
ECG (electrocardiogram)
As part of an investigation, an ECG (electrocardiogram) can be performed for heart rhythm disturbances. These rhythm disturbances can include extra beats as well as pauses, a too fast or too slow frequency. An ECG can define the type of heart rhythm disturbance.
Blood pressure measurement
Blood pressure measurement can also be useful for assessing both high and low blood pressure depending on the underlying condition. In certain severe heart diseases, low blood pressure may occur. Conversely, high blood pressure can lead to complications in the heart and should be identified and treated.
Laboratory (blood test)
Cardiac markers, inflammatory parameters, general laboratory parameters (systemic diseases can affect the cardiovascular system and may need to be further investigated or ruled out as part of additional evaluation).
X-ray
Chest X-ray is used, among other things, to investigate cardiac congestion (‘fluid’ in the lungs), but also to investigate lung diseases (which can also affect the heart; keyword: pulmonary hypertension).
CT/MRI
In certain conditions, advanced imaging techniques can play an important role in further investigation (e.g., in patients suspected of having a diaphragmatic anomaly, chylothorax, etc.).
WHO NEEDS A CARDIAC EVALUATION?
Patients with symptoms suggestive of heart disease, such as respiratory symptoms, weakness, abnormalities found during cardiovascular or respiratory system examinations.
Screening for heart disease is advisable in certain breeds and with advanced age, which may be conducted in relation to breeding examinations, as part of anesthesia readiness assessments, or as an age check-up. Since systemic diseases also affect the cardiovascular system, cardiology collaborates closely with other specialties such as internal medicine and radiology.
Heart diseases can broadly be classified into congenital and acquired heart diseases.
Congenital heart diseases:
The most common in dogs are (sub-)aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, and persistent ductus arteriosus. In cats, other defects such as ventricular septal defects or mitral valve dysplasias are more common.
Acquired heart diseases:
Acquired heart diseases are generally more common. In dogs, the most common acquired heart diseases are degenerative mitral valve disease (common, especially in middle-aged to older dogs) and dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart muscle disease, especially in certain dog breeds). In cats, cardiomyopathies, especially hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, are predominant.
TREATMENT
Drug Therapy
Depending on the type and severity of the heart disease, various medications can be used to alleviate symptoms or slow down progression.
Dietary Management
Special diets tailored to the needs of the animal with heart disease can help reduce the strain on the heart.
Restriction of exercise
In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the physical activity of the animal to relieve the heart.
Surgical Procedures
In some cases, heart surgery may be necessary to correct structural abnormalities.
Long-term monitoring
For severe heart diseases, regular monitoring of the animal’s condition may be necessary.
The diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases must always be individually tailored to the animal. We are happy to collaborate with your regular veterinarian to ensure the best possible care for your pet with heart disease.
Nicola Wiedemann
Specialist in Cardiology in Cooperation
DECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance. We are happy to help you.
e-Mail: info@frontier.vet
phone: +49 (0) 89 904 29 56-0
