Sometimes a heart murmur or irregular heartbeat is identified during a physical examination. This may occur in animals with no clinical signs (asymptomatic) and detected during a routine check-up. Pets may also have clinical signs and present with respiratory complaints, weakness, fainting or exercise intolerance.
Conditions include:
- Congenital defects (born with a defect) detected at puppy or kitten vaccinations.
- Degenerative valve disease, which is common in small breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature Poodles and Pomeranians.
- Heart muscle disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in large and giant breeds such as Dobermans, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) which is common in cats like Ragdolls, Persians, Maine Coons and Sphynx.
In these cases a cardiac work-up may be recommended by one of our vets. A cardiac work up may include chest X-rays, an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), an electrocardiogram (ECG) and bloods tests. This may require a day stay at the hospital.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 02 4987 5087.