Heart disease in dogs and cats

Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats: Why Early Detection and An Ultrasound Matter

Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from heart disease and in many cases, it goes undetected until it’s advanced. At Thornbury Vet Hospital, we believe in identifying heart problems as early as possible so pets can continue living long, comfortable lives.

One of the most effective ways we can understand what’s happening inside your pet’s heart is through a cardiac ultrasound, also known as an echocardiogram. This safe, non-invasive procedure gives us a real-time look at your pet’s heart and helps guide treatment decisions, including whether medication is needed.

What Is Heart Disease in Pets?

Heart disease in pets generally falls into two categories:

• Congenital: Conditions present from birth, such as heart valve defects.

• Acquired: Conditions that develop over time, such as:

• Mitral valve disease (common in small-breed dogs)

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (seen in larger dogs)

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (common in cats)

Many heart conditions can worsen slowly, showing few or no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why vigilance and early investigation are key.

Common Signs of Heart Disease

Watch out for these signs that could indicate a heart issue in your dog or cat:

• Persistent cough (especially at night)

• Laboured or rapid breathing

• Lethargy or reluctance to exercise

• Fainting or collapsing

• Swollen abdomen

• Weight loss or poor appetite

• Sudden hind limb paralysis in cats

If you notice any of these symptoms or your vet hears a heart murmur or irregular rhythm during a routine exam it may be time to investigate further.

Why an Echocardiogram Is So Important

A cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) allows us to assess:

• Heart wall thickness

• Chamber sizes

• Valve function

• Blood flow through the heart

• Presence of fluid or masses

While X-rays and blood tests can give us clues, an echocardiogram is the gold standard for diagnosing heart conditions and determining whether medication or ongoing monitoring is needed.

For example, in dogs with a newly discovered murmur, the ultrasound helps determine whether the heart is under strain or if the murmur is benign. In cats, it’s especially crucial, as many heart diseases can be silent until a crisis, such as a blood clot, occurs.

What Happens During the Procedure?

An echocardiogram is:

• Non-invasive: No surgery +/- a light sedation may be required in most cases.

• Painless: Your pet will lie calmly on a cushioned table.

• Fast and informative: We typically get results in the same day or soon after if reviewed by a specialist.

Based on what we see, we may start medications to support your pet’s heart, delay disease progression, or reduce the risk of complications like heart failure or fluid buildup.

Early Detection = Better Outcomes

Heart disease can’t always be cured but with early diagnosis and the right treatment plan, we can dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life and longevity.

If your pet has a heart murmur, is showing symptoms, or belongs to a breed at higher risk (such as Cavaliers, Dobermans, Maine Coons, or Ragdolls), we recommend discussing a cardiac workup with our team.