Red Bank Veterinary Hospital - Hillsborough
Why might your pet need a Cardiologist?
The Cardiology Department performs evaluations for various reasons, some of which can include:
Heart murmur
Irregular heart rhythm
Pre-anesthetic evaluation
Clinical signs such as heavier or faster breathing, collapse/fainting, exercise intolerance (getting winded/out of breath with normal activity), cough
Abnormal lab result from your vet such as elevated BNP or positive heartworm test
Services offered by our Cardiology Department include:
Diagnosis and management of:
Congestive heart failure
Congenital heart diseases
Acquired heart diseases
Cardiomyopathy
Evaluation for breed-specific heart diseases
Pulmonary hypertension
Arrhythmias
Heartworm disease
The following diagnostics and treatments can be performed:
Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
ECG (electrocardiogram)
Holter monitor (24 hour monitor to screen for arrhythmias)
Pericardiocentesis (removal of fluid around the heart)
Thoracocentesis (removal of fluid around the lungs)
Abdominocentesis (removal of fluid from the abdomen)
Thoracic Radiographs (Chest x-rays)
Blood Pressure
Understanding Pet Heart Disease
Pets with heart disease, or other ailments affecting the heart and lungs, may not always have visible signs of discomfort. Others may experience difficulty breathing, coughing, fainting, or lethargy depending on the stage of illness.
