Pet Cardiology For Dogs & Cats in Nashua
At Animal Medical Center of New England in Nashua, our board-certified pet cardiologist is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular (heart and vessels) disease in pets.
This includes such disorders as congestive heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative valve disease, systemic hypertension, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, and cardiac tumors.
Heart health issues and conditions can be very serious if not treated with appropriate knowledge and experience. Because of this, our specialists are here to work with you to protect your pet's health.
Our Pet Cardiologist
A veterinary cardiologist is a specialist that has advanced training in the heart and circulatory system.
Why Veterinary Cardiology?
Although your family veterinarian can diagnose and treat many problems very well, there are some conditions that require specialized diagnostics and care to treat your pet.
A board-certified veterinary cardiologist has experiences, education, and tools that a general practice veterinarian won't be able to provide. Because of this, when faced with complex health issues affecting your pet's heart or circulatory system, it's best to ask about a referral to a board-certified cardiologist like Dr. Nate Deering.
Common Signs of Heart Disease in Pets
At Animal Medical Center of New England, we can detect and identify the symptoms of heart disease in pets. It is important to be able to recognize the signs of heart disease in your cat or dog so you can get them treated as soon as possible in Nashua.
Here are some main signs of heart disease in pets for owners to look out for:
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Coughing
If your pet is coughing, wheezing, or struggling to breathe, this can be a sign of heart illness.
This is because the condition affects the efficiency of the heart and when the blood overfills the veins, it can lead to an abundance of fluid in the lungs.
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Exercise Intolerance
Pets with heart disease may experience symptoms known as exercise intolerance.
Along with this resistance to exercise, pets suffering from this condition may also be lethargic and fatigued.
This may be especially noticeable if the weather is hot and humid, causing your dog or cat to take many breaks.
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Shortness of Breath
When suffering from heart disease, some pets may experience shortness of breath.
Some of the common signs of breathing difficulties that our vet cardiologist sees include:
- Visible chest movement
- Flared nostrils
- Open-mouthed breathing
- Loud breathing
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Abdominal Swelling
Later stages of heart disease can lead to the buildup of fluid in the body from the weakening of the heart. This can cause your pet's stomach and abdominal area to swell or bloat.
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Collapsing
Heart disease can lead to a lack of energy and decreased coordination. This also leads to shortness of breath and resistance to exercise.
If your cat or dog collapses seemingly at random, take them to a vet to check their heart health right away.
Evaluation of Heart Conditions
At your appointment, the cardiologist will perform a complete and thorough physical examination of your pet, and based on these initial findings, additional tests will be discussed.
They will also review your animal’s health history and current medications. This will allow for a complete view of your dog or cat's health prior to performing these diagnostics.
Depending on your pet's condition, diagnostic testing may include:
- Bloodwork
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiography
- Radiographic Evaluation
- Blood Pressure Measurement