Heart disease is among the most common conditions in older dogs and cats - and one of the most insidious, because it can develop for years without obvious signs. Early diagnosis makes an enormous difference: treatment started at the right moment can significantly extend and improve a pet's life.
Symptoms that should concern you
- coughing, especially at night or after exercise,
- tiring quickly and reluctance to go for walks,
- fast breathing at rest,
- fainting or episodes of weakness,
- bluish gums or a swollen abdomen.
In cats the picture is often even more subtle - sometimes the only sign is less activity or faster breathing. That is why regular check-ups matter so much for cats.
What a cardiac examination involves
The core of diagnosis is echocardiography - an ultrasound scan of the heart. It is non-invasive and painless, and shows the structure of the heart, the valves, wall thickness and how well the heart muscle contracts. Where needed we add an ECG (rhythm assessment) and blood pressure measurement. Sedation is usually not required and the whole examination fits within a single visit.
Which animals should be examined proactively
We recommend regular cardiac checks for predisposed breeds (such as the cavalier king charles spaniel, dachshund and great dane, and in cats the maine coon and ragdoll), for older patients, and before any procedure under general anaesthesia. If a murmur is heard during a routine examination, an echo will establish its cause.
Living with a cardiac patient
A diagnosis is not the end of an active life. The keys are regular medication at fixed times, follow-up visits and observation at home - counting breaths at rest is a simple, valuable habit, as a rising rate is often the first sign of deterioration. Heart scans for dogs and cats are performed in our veterinary cardiology service at the MultiVet clinic in Lutynia near Wrocław.