Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats: Warning Signs and Heart Testing in Middle Sackville

Quick answer: Heart disease can affect dogs and cats of any age, but it becomes more common as pets get older. Rapid breathing, coughing, tiring easily, weakness and a drop in appetite are all reasons to call your vet. At Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre, many heart problems are first picked up during a routine physical exam, and tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), x-rays and ultrasound help our veterinarians find the cause and plan treatment.

Heart disease is often serious, but it is not always a dead end. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, our team can significantly extend many pets' lives, and some forms of heart disease can even be cured when they are caught early. This guide explains what pet owners in Middle Sackville and the surrounding Sackville area should know about heart health in dogs and cats.

Common heart conditions in dogs and cats

Our veterinarians diagnose and manage a range of heart problems, including:

• Congestive heart failure (CHF): the heart can no longer pump blood effectively, and fluid can build up in and around the lungs, and sometimes in the abdomen
• Congenital heart disease: a heart defect a pet is born with
• Valvular heart disease: abnormalities in the heart valves
• Arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms
• Heartworm disease: a parasitic disease that affects the heart

Signs of heart disease to watch for

Contact us right away if your dog or cat:

• Breathes rapidly or seems short of breath
• Develops a cough
• Eats less than usual
• Tires easily or seems weak
• Has trouble exercising or stops partway through walks and play

Some of these signs can look like normal aging, which is why it helps to mention any change in energy or breathing to your veterinarian, even if it seems small.

How we check your pet's heart

1. A physical exam

Many heart problems are first discovered during a routine physical examination, which is one more reason regular wellness exams matter for every life stage.

2. Further testing when needed

To find the exact cause of heart disease or heart failure, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests, such as:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): records the heart's electrical activity and rhythm
• Radiographs (x-rays): our digital x-ray equipment shows the size and shape of the heart and lungs
• Ultrasound: gives a closer look at the heart's structure

3. A tailored treatment plan

Once we understand what is going on, our team builds a treatment plan around your pet's specific needs and explains each step with you. Ongoing check-ups help us see how your pet is responding and adjust care as needed.

Frequently asked questions about pet heart health

Is heart disease only a problem in older pets?

No. Heart problems can affect pets of all ages, although they are more common in older animals. Some pets are born with a heart defect.

Can heart disease in pets be treated?

Yes. Heart disease is often life-threatening, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment we can significantly extend many pets' lives, and early intervention can cure certain forms of heart disease.

Do you offer financing for veterinary care?

Yes. Eligible clients can apply for Humm financing, with payment plans for veterinary care of up to $30,000, including 6- and 12-month zero-interest plans on eligible purchases.

Book a heart health check in Middle Sackville

If your pet is coughing, breathing fast or slowing down, our team is here to help. Learn more about our pet cardiology services, request an appointment online, or call us at (902) 864-2882. New to the clinic? Visit our new clients page to get set up.

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre is a veterinary-owned, CVMA- and NSVMA-accredited animal hospital at 1622 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A8. This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination of your pet by a veterinarian.