cardiology for pets
Information and Resources for Pet Owners
Learn more about your pet’s cardiology evaluation, common reasons for referral, heart health monitoring, and other information from Veterinary Cardiac Care SD.
Your Pet's Cardiac Visit
Learn what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s cardiac appointment.
Monitoring Your Pet's Breathing Rate
Learn how to measure and monitor your pet’s resting respiratory rate at home.
Cardiology Services
Learn about the tests used to evaluate your pet’s heart health.
common reasons for cardiac evaluation
Why Was My Pet Referred to a Cardiologist?
Heart Murmur
An abnormal whooshing sound heard when your veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart. Some murmurs are harmless, while others may indicate underlying heart disease.
Arrhythmia
An irregular heart rhythm. Additional testing may be recommended to determine the cause and significance of the abnormal rhythm.
Before Anesthesia
Assessment of cardiac health before anesthesia for surgical or dental procedures.
Symptoms
Symptoms such as new or progressive coughing, exercise intolerance, breathing changes, unexplained panting, weakness, or collapse may prompt referral for cardiac evaluation.
Abnormal Cardiac Biomarkers
Elevated cardiac blood tests may indicate heart disease or cardiac stress.
Screening
Some pets are referred for routine cardiac screening because of breed predispositions or other risk factors
Known Heart Disease
Ongoing monitoring is recommended to assess disease progression and guide treatment recommendations.
Diet-Associated Cardiac Concerns
Evaluation may be recommended when dietary factors are suspected to contribute to heart disease.
pet cardiology services
How We Evaluate Your Pet’s Heart Health
Different tests provide information about your pet’s heart structure, function, and rhythm, helping guide diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Cardiology Consultation
A comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s cardiac health and individualized treatment recommendations.
Echocardiogram (Echo)
A heart ultrasound provides detailed images of the heart structures and function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Records the electrical activity of the heart and helps identify abnormal heart rhythms.
Holter Monitoring
A portable monitor worn at home that continuously records heart rhythm over an extended period.
Need a Cardiology Evaluation?
Veterinary Cardiac Care SD works through partnering veterinary clinics throughout Southern California.