Although found more often in older pets, heart conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is usually a life-threatening health issue, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can even be cured.
The veterinarians at Lake Pine Animal Hospital have the expertise to diagnose and treat heart conditions such as hypertension, heart valvular disorders, congestive heart failure and other heart conditions your pet may develop.
While some pets show symptoms when they have a cardiac issue, others may not show any visible signs until discovered during a routine wellness exam. It’s important that you be aware of the symptoms of heart disease, especially if your pet is a senior, a breed that is predisposed to cardiac issues, or has a congenital problem. Signs include:
- Rapid breathing
- Coughing
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy/tires easily
- Weakness/trouble exercising
Many heart problems can be detected through a physical exam, though additional tests will be required to obtain a definitive diagnosis and cause. Those tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG). Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with electrocardiography capabilities to detect and diagnose any heart problems your pet might be suffering from so we can begin a program of treatment as quickly as possible.