Cardiology Services for Pets

Our cardiology services support your pet through their heart issues, from diagnosis to treatment. A visiting radiologist provides cardiology services for your pet. Telemedicine is also available for phone appointments. Our hospital is well-equipped to handle various heart issues, ensuring your pet receives the comprehensive care they need.

What puts my pet at risk of developing heart issues? 

Some pets are predisposed to heart conditions because of genetics. For other pets, age or lifestyle significantly increase their risk of developing a heart issue. Overweight pets’ hearts tend to work harder because it requires more labour to pump blood throughout their body. Obesity is often connected to high blood pressure and lack of exercise, which can cause heart disease and heart failure. 

What heart issues are most common in pets? 

One of the most common heart issues affecting pets is heart disease. Heart disease describes various issues that affect the blood vessels and the heart’s ability to function regularly. For example, congestive heart failure happens when your pet’s heart cannot pump enough blood throughout their body. Heart conditions are diagnosed with a combination of diagnostic tools, including X-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and bloodwork. X-rays allow us to see the size of their heart and any fluid buildup around the lungs. An electrocardiogram and echocardiogram detect irregular heartbeats and provide insights into how the heart is functioning. If your pet is diagnosed with heart issues, we’ll work with you to determine which treatment options are the most effective for their condition. 

What are the signs of heart disease? 

As a pet parent, being mindful of the signs of heart disease can significantly increase the effectiveness of treatments. Early diagnosis allows us to determine the most viable options for targeting the disease. Please contact us at 604-427-2744 if you notice your pet is displaying any of the following signs: 

• Persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing 
• Fainting 
• Fatigue 
• Changes in behaviour