What are the signs and symptoms of underlying heart disease in pets?

On today's episode of Twin Trees Vet Talk, we welcome our very special guest, Dr. Mark Harmon. Dr. Harmon is a Veterinary Cardiology Specialist at Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Vancouver, BC (Canada).

We discuss the signs of heart disease in dogs and cats to watch for, and some tips to monitor your pet for signs of impending heart failure before it gets so severe that the pet showing obvious signs of dying from congestive heart failure.

If your vet suspects your dog or cat may have an underlying heart problem, a referral to a cardiologist can provide you with important information about the type and stage of the heart disease, and if any intervention is needed.

If your pet has any indication of heart disease (even a very soft murmur, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.) it very is important to have the heart evaluated, and to see a cardiologist whenever possible. If heart disease goes undiagnosed, it can continue to get worse under the surface and eventually culminate in a big emergency like congestive heart failure (CHF). We hope you enjoy this episode! Please leave your questions and comments below!

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Congestive Heart Failure in a Dog / CHF:    • A Nice Dog with Congestive Heart Fail...  
3 Tips from the Emergency Vet    • 3 Tips That Could Save Your Pet's Lif...  
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals: https://www.ofa.org/
AKC Guide to Responsible Pet Breeding:
https://www.akc.org/breederprograms/...

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Teaser
0:51 Intro, Q) what are the signs of heart diseases ?
1:08 symptoms of heart disease can be vague
1:37 monitor the sleeping breathing rate
03:30 exception: pleural effusion esp. in cats
04:05 what is congestive heart failure (CHF)?
4:24 symptoms of CHF (backwards vs forward failure)

FULL BLOG POST: https://twintreesvet.com/blogs/vetta...

WELCOME TO TWIN TREES VET TALK! An informal chat with Dr. Lopez (Emergency Veterinarian) and friends to share our perspective on pet predicaments, being a veterinarian, our shared love for animals and more! Have a quick question? Want to run something by us? Or just need our two cents? This is your chance! Each week we select a handful of questions to answer.

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3 BEST PIECES OF ADVICE FROM THE EMERGENCY VET THAT COULD SAVE YOUR PET'S LIFE
1) DON'T WAIT TOO LONG TO GET HELP! If you wait too long, it could be too late. This is especially true for concerns such as laboured breathing, pale gums and weakness. You know your pet best, so if you are worried or concerned, "when in doubt, check it out!"

2) PREVENT THE PREVENTABLE. Learn as much as possible about dangers that face your pet, such as household poisons, seemingly harmless objects (like toys, clothing, garbage and rocks), other animals, and vehicles. Pets are like toddlers and they need a responsible adult/babysitter to protect them from danger.

3) BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST CASE SCENARIO. Have a plan in place, know your nearest emergency clinic, have the ASPCA phone number on speed dial. Know basic first aid training and CPR. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE FINANCIALLY PREPARED. The cost of medical treatment in an emergency, and the owners' ability to pay for it, is probably the most important factor that determines whether a pet will receive the medical care it needs. The best way to protect yourself is to have good medical insurance for your pet. Do your research.

DISCLAIMER
The medical information on this site is provided as an educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.

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