Cardiology

Maintaining a healthy heart is an important part of your pet’s overall well-being. Since your pet’s heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout their body, we want to make sure it’s operating at optimal health. Heart disease is life-threatening for our furry friends and our team is committed to supporting your pet, from diagnosis to treatment.

What are the signs of heart disease?

It’s important to stay vigilant about the following symptoms, especially if you notice they are getting progressively worse. Some of these might include:

• Fainting
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Avoiding exercise or playing
• Losing significant weight

How might it affect my pet?

Your pet can either be born with heart disease (congenital) or develop it sometime over their lifetime (acquired). Since most pet’s get diagnosed with acquired heart disease, you might notice it most in your aging pet. Heart disease causes a range of health or behavioural changes in your pet, like a potbelly due to fluid buildup or extreme exhaustion. If you suspect your pet might be affected by heart disease, it’s important to schedule an appointment for them at 902-865-6400.

What can I expect from their cardiology appointment?

During your pet’s appointment, our veterinary team can provide support if you’ve noticed any of the signs and symptoms. We might check your furry friend’s heart for murmurs or abnormal rhythms using diagnostic tools like X-rays, electrocardiogram or blood tests. Depending on your pet’s diagnosis, we might recommend a combination of treatment methods including medication, adjustments to their diet or surgery.