As the ranks of animals in American families has increased, so has the number of dogs and cats with grave cardiac issues.
Relatively new to veterinary circles is the veterinary cardiologist, responsible for diagnosing and treating heart conditions in dogs and cats. If a veterinarian diagnoses heart-related issues, you might be sent to a cat or dog cardiologist for more tests.
The field of dog cardiology has developed quite a few advances recently, developing better testing for a variety of cardiac conditions in dogs including cardiomyopathy in dogs.
Cat conditions, such as feline arterial thromboembolism, are also being studied and treatment options are underway.
What is the cause cardiac conditions in dogs and cats? And what can you do prevent the problems?
Studies indicate that while many of the problems appear to have a foundation in genetics, there are steps to be taken to help reduce cardiac problems in our dog and cat companions. To start, ensure your cat or dog is not too heavy. The more your pet weighs, the more their cardiac system has to work. The added strain of those added pounds might cause problems. Adequate activity is also vital to ensure cardiac health. Regular walks and play activities are appropriate for all pets.
Scheduled veterinary appointments are an additional option to ensure your dog or cat stays healthy. In addition discuss necessary shots with your veterinarian to prevent common conditions that can create cardiac problems.