Pet Cardiology

Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

Heart disease is more common in pets than many owners realize. In dogs, the most frequent conditions include mitral valve disease (especially in small breeds), dilated cardiomyopathy (more common in large breeds), and congenital heart defects. In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most prevalent form of heart disease.

Many pets with early heart disease show no symptoms. A heart murmur detected during a routine exam is often the first sign that something may be developing. As the condition progresses, pets may show decreased energy, coughing (especially in dogs), rapid or labored breathing, reduced appetite, or fainting episodes.

Early detection through regular wellness exams and appropriate follow-up testing allows us to monitor your pet's heart health and start treatment before symptoms develop or worsen.

What Is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard with a stethoscope. It's caused by turbulent blood flow and can indicate a variety of conditions, from minor issues to significant heart disease.

Not all murmurs are serious. Some puppies have innocent murmurs that resolve as they grow. However, any new murmur in an adult pet or a murmur that changes over time warrants further investigation. We grade murmurs on a scale of 1 to 6 based on intensity and recommend appropriate diagnostics to determine the underlying cause and whether treatment is needed.

My vet heard a heart murmur. Should I be worried? 

Not necessarily, but it should be evaluated. Murmurs range from benign to significant. The next step is typically an echocardiogram to assess the heart's structure and function. From there, we can determine whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate.

What are the signs of heart disease in pets? 

Early heart disease often has no visible symptoms. As it progresses, watch for decreased energy, exercise intolerance, coughing (especially at night in dogs), rapid or labored breathing, fainting, reduced appetite, or unexplained weight loss. Cats may breathe with their mouth open or become more withdrawn.

Are certain breeds more prone to heart disease? 

Yes. Some small dog breeds have higher rates of valve disease, while certain large breeds are predisposed to muscle-related heart conditions. Some cat breeds are more commonly affected by heart muscle thickening. If your pet is a higher-risk breed, regular cardiac screening is especially important.

What is an echocardiogram? 

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It shows the heart's chambers, valves, and walls in real time and measures how well the heart is pumping. It's the standard diagnostic tool for most heart conditions in pets and is typically performed by a veterinary cardiologist.

Can heart disease in pets be cured? 

Most cardiac conditions cannot be cured, but many can be managed effectively with medication. The goal is to slow progression, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life. Early detection and consistent treatment make a meaningful difference.

How often will my pet need to be monitored? 

It depends on severity. Pets with early or stable heart disease may need rechecks every 6 to 12 months. Those with more advanced disease or recent medication changes will need more frequent visits. We'll establish a schedule and adjust as your pet's condition evolves.

Can pets with heart disease still exercise? 

Moderate activity is often fine, but strenuous exercise may need to be limited. We'll provide specific guidance based on your pet's condition. Watch for fatigue, heavy panting, or breathing difficulty during activity, and let your pet set the pace.

How will I know if my pet's heart disease is getting worse? 

Signs of progression include increased breathing rate at rest, new or worsening cough, reduced appetite, swollen abdomen, or sudden weakness. We may ask you to monitor your pet's resting respiratory rate at home, which is one of the earliest indicators of change.

Can my pet still have surgery or dental work with a heart condition? 

Many pets with heart disease can safely undergo anesthesia with appropriate precautions and monitoring. We'll evaluate their cardiac status before any procedure and, in some cases, recommend stabilizing the condition before elective work is performed.

Should I change my pet's diet if they have heart disease? 

Dietary modifications may be recommended depending on the condition. We'll advise on whether changes are appropriate for your pet's specific situation.