In veterinary medicine, cardiology is the branch that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and alterations of the cardiovascular system
As well as some lung and chest cavity disorders.
In fact, our animals can suffer from these problems just like humans and present congenital or acquired diseases.
Symptoms related to cardiovascular changes most often present as difficulty breathing, lethargy, weakness, fainting and loss of appetite. Paying attention to it, as well as submitting your pet to an initial clinical visit and then, after the age of 7, constant monitoring with a cardiologist veterinary surgeon, is essential to protect its health.
Diseases and diagnosis
Among the most commondiseases and problems are:
– heart failure
– valvular diseases
– dilated cardiomyopathy
– cardiac arrhythmias
– infective endocarditis
– congenital heart disease and blood clots
Fortunately, in the diagnostic field there are really many possible visits such as:
– Electrocardiogram (ECG)
– Echocardiogram
– Thoracic X-ray
– Holter ECG
– Brain Natriuretic Peptide Test (NT-proBNP)
– Measurement of blood pressure
– Blood pressure measurement
– Thyroid function test
How to proceed after a diagnosis?
If the clinical picture shows an effective alteration in the cardiovascular system, the next step will be to start a course of care developed by the veterinarian in which personalized treatment can include drugs, dietary modifications, physical exercise, oxygen therapy or, where necessary, surgeries.
The most common interventions include:
– Blood pressure management
– Monitoring of congestive heart failure
– Therapies for cardiac arrhythmias
– Pacemaker therapy
As in any aspect of health, even in veterinary cardiology timing is the key and promptness in recognizing and treating a pathology is what helps prevent serious complications while protecting the health of your animal friend.