Cardiology in dog & cats

The heart of a dog or cat is very similar to our own, and although our pets don’t suffer from cholesterol related heart and blood vessel problems, they can develop other difficulties which are very similar to human heart disease. However many treatments are available, which have made great improvements to the quality of our pets lives.

Auscultation

A lot of information can be gained about a pets heart by carefully listening to the heart & lung fields (auscultation) using a good quality Litmann stethoscope.

One of the Partners, Neil Walmsley, takes a particular interest in cardiology (heart disease) and has attended many post graduate courses on this subject.

Radiology (X-ray) of the chest & heart will determine heart size, deviation of the trachea, and whether pulmonary oedema or fluid is present within the lungs– these both cause the symptoms of coughing which is frequently associated with heart disease.

E.C.G. (Electrocardiogram)

In order to diagnose defects in the heart rhythm an Electrocardiogram or ECG is essential.

We have recently purchased a new ECG machine which is particularly important when dealing with some irregular heart rhythms which are potentially life-threatening and must be diagnosed and treated rapidly

Atrial fibrillation is a relatively

common arrhythmia in dogs with cardiac disease.

Ultrasound scanning of the heart on “M-mode” is also a valuable procedure which is performed at the Vet Clinic. This provides us with an assessment of the thickness of the heart muscle wall and how well the muscle is beating.

This is of particular assistance in diseases of cardiac

muscle – the cardiomyopathies.

Where necessary referral can be arranged for full colour flow doppler ultrasound.

“Our reason for being here is to maintain the health of your pets & horses.”

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