CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

11/11/2024

Falling leaves and floppy ears, that's our kind of autumn.🍂

11/05/2024

Hey! Hey you! Ya YOU! Are you checking respiration rates ❓❓

It's always good to know how to monitor your pet’s sleeping respiratory rate at home!

A rate greater than 30 breaths per minute or an increase from normal rates could be an early sign of congestive heart failure. This should be done once daily. When your pet is truly asleep (as opposed to resting but awake).

You can obtain this rate by counting the number of times that a breath is taken in 15 seconds and multiplying that number by 4 (or in 30 seconds, multiplied by 2). If that number is greater than 30, or if you notice an upward trend in your pet’s respiratory rates (e.g., if it is generally in the high teens but starts trending into the 20s), please call your local cardiologist to determine whether medical therapy or even an ER visit is necessary.

If you like, you can use the Cardalis app to help count and track your pet’s respiratory rates over time. This is a useful and free app that is available through either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store!

Happy breathing! 😸🐶

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from CVCA and some of our amazing patients! 🎃

10/24/2024

Life is Golden. 💛

This handsome 10-year-old is Mowgli!  

Mowgli's first visit with CVCA was in January 2024. He returned to us for a re-evaluation of ACVIM stage B1 myxomatous valve disease.

Results revealed great news!! His heart remains normal in size and the remainder of his chest cavity also appears normal. Based on a lack of apparent heart enlargement, there is no need to begin any cardiac medications at this time. Yayyyy Mowgli!! 🐕

10/15/2024

Happy Vet Tech Appreciation Week!!

Please join us in thanking the amazing Veterinary Nurses and Assistants who make CVCA run so smoothly. You deserve to be celebrated! ❤🥳

10/11/2024

The spookiest night of the year will be here before we know it! 👻 As you make your plans, here are some pet-safety tips to remember! 🐾

10/08/2024

What is P I M O B E N D A N ❓❓

Pimobendan (Vetmedin) lowers the pressure in both the arteries and veins, as well as improves heart muscle strength. This improves blood flow to the body without causing heart muscle damage. It has greatly improved the quality of life and life expectancy of pets with advanced heart disease.

Sweet Febe recently came in to see CVCA and was diagnosed with degenerative mitral valve disease (ACVIM stage B2). Our plan is to start her on Pimobendan to help increase the pumping power of her heart, while also decreasing its workload. We will keep a close eye on her to ensure she continues to avoid cardiac symptoms and lives a long happy life! 🖤🤍

10/03/2024

Your life changes forever when you're chosen to be loved by a westie. 🤍

Oliver's echocardiogram revealed a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PHT). 

What is PHT❓PHT is a condition of high blood pressure within the vasculature of the lungs (in the pulmonary arteries, veins, and/or capillary system). Pulmonary hypertension is not usually a primary disease entity of itself but is often secondary to other primary diseases. Clinical signs of this disease include difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, weakness, and syncope (fainting). If severe and chronic, PHT can lead to progressive structural changes to the right heart and congestive heart failure (fluid buildup in the abdomen and around the lungs secondary to cardiac dysfunction).

At Oliver's re-evaluation, his hypertension GREATLY improved after medical therapy, which is great news! We plan to keep a close eye on Oliver to keep him stable for even longer.

10/01/2024

Did you know roughly 6.5 million animals enter animal shelters each year, according to ASPCA? If you’re looking to welcome a furry friend into your family, consider your local animal shelter! ❤️

Did you adopt your pet from a shelter? We’d love to see a picture of them in the comments!

10/01/2024

National Walk Your Dog Week is observed between October 1 to 7! 🐾

Is your pooch a fan of getting outdoors and taking a walk? If that is the case, this week is an ideal time to play outdoors. 🍂 You and your dog may join a nationwide celebration highlighting the advantages of walking together. Therefore, it is time to get out those shoes and prepare your puppy’s paw pads for National Walk Your Dog Week! 🎊

This time serves as a reminder to pet owners that exercise is critical for the health of their canine companions. ❤

Post a photo of you walking your beloved furry companion and tag us ! We would love to see photos of you and your pup(s) celebrating!

Happy walking!! 🍃

09/25/2024

Love is a wet nose and a happy tail! ❤

09/24/2024

This adorable 3 month old is Archie! 😍

Following adoption, he was seen at VCA North Portland Veterinary Hospital for a wellness exam. His physical exam revealed a grade 2/6 heart murmur that had progressed to a grade 3/6 at a subsequent visit 2 weeks later. 

Archie then presented to CVCA (🙋‍♀️) for an initial evaluation to assess the heart murmur further. Dr. Gregg Rapoport, DVM, DACVIM found that Archie’s heart murmur is related to the speed of blood flow in a specific area of his heart, namely the area where blood leaves the left ventricle and passes through the aortic valve to enter the aorta. In this location, blood flow velocity is high enough to be heard as a murmur, particularly when Archie is more excited or anxious. In the absence of any structural abnormalities in this area of the heart, such as backward flow across the aortic valve (aortic regurgitation), blood flow turbulence, or a visible obstruction to blood flow (subaortic ridge), this would be considered normal variation in an adult dog.

In some dogs, this same finding can be the result of a congenital heart disease called “aortic stenosis.” This is an abnormal narrowing (stenosis) in this region of the heart. The stenosis is typically just below the level of the aortic valve, technically referred to as “subaortic” stenosis. In more severe cases, this obstructs forward blood flow, requiring the left ventricle to become stronger and thicker to send blood into the aorta. While this defect is congenital (present since birth), the narrowing can become more severe during the first one to two years of life.

We are hopeful that this will not be a significant problem for Archie and we will be sure to keep a close eye on him! We love you Archie!! ❤❤

09/19/2024

Excuse me, I need moar food! 🐱

09/12/2024

Life is better with a Dane! 🐾

This handsome boy is Douglas! He came to CVCA to screen for dilated cardiomyopathy due to breed predisposition. 

What is dilated cardiomyopathy❓

Dilated cardiomyopathy starts with degeneration of the heart muscle. The muscle becomes thinner and weaker, particularly the normally thick muscular wall of the left ventricle.

As the heart weakens, it loses its ability to pump blood effectively. The blood congests in the heart, causing increased pressure, which causes the thin heart muscle walls to stretch. This stretching causes the large, dilated appearance.

Some dogs develop a heart murmur if the heart valves become stretched enough to create a leak. Some dogs also develop an abnormal heart rhythm because of the stretched heart muscle.

Thankfully, Douglas had NO abnormalities seen on his echocardiogram (ultrasound examination of the heart)!
No structural abnormalities were noted and he also did not have any apparent arrhythmia during his visit (abnormalities in how electrical impulses are conducted through the heart).

Given a breed predisposition for dilated cardiomyopathy, today’s evaluation showed no evidence of this condition.

We are so excited for you Douglas, keep being the sweet lap dog that you are! 🥳

09/06/2024

Thinks I don't know what V-E-T Spells! 🩺

09/02/2024

Happy Labor Day! Thank you to our incredible teammates for all you do. ❤️

08/30/2024

SIX FUN LABOR DAY ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG!

1. The dog beach 🏖
2. Go camping 🏕
3. Stay at a dog friendly hotel and explore the town 🐾
4. Host a dog party 🥳
5. Explore a new hiking trail 🥾
6. Simply relax 😌

Have a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Yours truly,
CVCA cardiac care for pets ❤

08/29/2024

Remi is here to share what signs to look for when dealing with advanced cardiac disease.🚦

Signs of advanced cardiac disease can include coughing, tiring more easily with activity, breathing more quickly or with difficulty, abdominal distension, or any episodes of weakness or fainting. Any difficulty breathing or collapse episodes would warrant immediate medical attention. 🚑

In addition, please call if you notice any unexplained decrease in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, as there can also be side effects of cardiac medications.

Even for milder signs, or if you ever have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to call your nearest CVCA! 👋

09/12/2022

This smiling cutie goes by Maizy! She has been seeing us for cardiac care for over 5 years! She was referred by Hill Country Animal Hospital and recently visited us to monitor her dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmias.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Nicole, LVT for an exam and recheck echocardiogram, as well as a recheck Holter monitor placement, we found that Maizy is doing great! Her cardiac disease is stable and we didn't need to make any medication adjustments.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is heart muscle disease that causes loss of heart muscle strength, enlargement of the heart, and a decreased ability to pump blood through the body(heart failure). Maizy has benefitted from cardiac medications that improve her heart's pumping function and control her cardiac arrhythmias.

To learn more about CVCA and dilated cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-k6K0

08/24/2022

This is Lady Bug! She was referred by Belton Small Animal Clinic and recently visited us to monitor her left ventricular dilation and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

After seeing Julia Lindholm, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Kristin, Veterinary Assistant, for an exam and recheck echocardiogram, we found that Lady Bug has had some progression of her cardiac disease as a result of her having the congenital defect called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). PDA is the failure of a large blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) to close just after birth. In a fetus, this vessel is normal and allows blood to bypass the lungs since the lungs are not used in utero. At birth, the vessel should closes within hours, directing blood to flow into the newly inflated lungs. When the closure doesn't happen, the difference in pressure between the pulmonary artery and the aorta means that blood will take the path of least resistance and flow from the aorta through the patent ductus arteriosus into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery then needlessly recirculates this oxygenated blood back to the lungs. Since less blood is now being pumped into the main circulation through the aorta with each heartbeat, the left side of the heart is forced to work harder to meet the demands of the body.

Lady Bug has been seeing us for just over a year and continues to take a cardiac medication to improve her heart's pumping function. To learn more about PDA and other cardiac diseases, head on over to our website https://hubs.li/Q01kSYqk0

06/29/2022

This peaceful pup is JJ! He was referred by Bluebonnet Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a recheck of his degenerative valve disease (DVD).

After seeing Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) and vet assistant Tara for an exam, we found that JJ's DVD has progressed from not-yet needing meds to meds would now be beneficial for JJ.

Degenerative Valve Disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs. It is a progressive (chronic) disease, which means it will worsen over time, although how quickly or slowly it progresses is different for every dog. The valve leaflets of the heart become thickened and less flexible, and a valvular leak can occur that can lead to heart enlargement over time and subsequently heart failure.

Dr. Bordelon has recommended a treatment plan for JJ and will work with JJ's pet parents and primary care veterinarian to provide cardiac guidance so JJ's heart can function to the best of its ability!

To learn more about CVCA and DVD visit https://hubs.li/Q01dJ8yj0

06/11/2022

CVCA is seeking veterinary assistants/technicians in Austin, TX and Rockville, MD! Join our amazing team and receive industry-leading benefits (including a signing bonus for June/July)! Learn more and apply today:

https://hubs.ly/Q01cY6X10

05/11/2022

This is Ben! He was referred by Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center and recently visited us to monitor his hyperthyroidism.

After seeing Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology and Shelley, an LVT, for an exam and recheck echocardiogram, we found that Ben is doing great! This was his third time in to see us, and we were able to report continued improvement of his thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy to his pet parents.

When Ben initially was evaluated, he had just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Effects of hyperthyroidism on the heart include:

- Rapid heart rate
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Abnormal heart sounds (murmur +/gallop)
- Thickening of the heart muscle
- High blood pressure
- Congestive heart failure (fluid in or around the lungs)

Ben started a medication to reduce his thyroid level, and two cardiac medications to help reduce his heart rate and the risk of clot formation. We're glad we can help him and we'll keep monitoring his condition!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q019MfRj0.

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/27/2022

This is Lo**ta! She was referred by Roots Integrative Veterinary Care and recently visited us for a recheck of her hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

After seeing Dr. Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) for a recheck exam and echocardiogram, we found that Lo**ta's cardiac disease is currently stable!

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in cats. HCM causes progressive thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle (left ventricle) and dilation of the left atrium. Over time the thickening can create a stiff heart possibly resulting in congestive heart failure (fluid in or around the lungs).

Lo**ta has been seeing us regularly since 2018 and we'll continue to monitor her cardiac status to make sure her heart is working the best it can!

To learn more about CVCA and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q018ZtMB0

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/25/2022

4/25/22 -- CVCA Austin-Northwest is currently experiencing phone and internet connectivity issues. If you have any non-urgent inquiries, please email us at [email protected] or call back at another time. We apologize for any inconvenience!

04/20/2022

Presenting 2-year-old cutie Rosie! She was referred by Lake Austin Blvd Animal Hospital and recently visited us for evaluation of a new heart murmur before having anesthesia for a dental cleaning.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for her echocardiogram, we found that Rosie has what is called an "innocent" murmur, which means we did not find any structural abnormalities or decrease in heart function at this time. When this happens, we recommend a recheck if and when murmur intensity increases or other signs of heart disease occur. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is a breed with a high prevalence of heart disease, so Rosie's pet parents and her primary veterinarian wanted to be sure she had a cardiac evaluation before anesthesia, despite her young age.

We also care for Rosie's housemate Milo, who is also a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He visits us regularly for rechecks to manage his progressive degenerative mitral valve disease, which is the most common form of heart disease we see in Rosie and Milo's breed.

To learn more about CVCA and chronic degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179jwD0

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/13/2022

Meet Carlos! He was referred by Bluebonnet Animal Hospital and recently visited us for evaluation of taking longer to recover from exercise.

After seeing Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Carlos has mild subaortic stenosis.

Subaortic stenosis is a congenital disease in which a muscular or fibrous band of tissue develops below the aortic valve creating an obstruction to blood flow out of the left ventricle. The aortic valve is generally normal with this disease, however it can become damaged from the high velocity, turbulent flow created by the stenotic lesion in the left ventricular outflow tract (the area below the aortic valve). Subaortic stenosis is categorized into mild, moderate or severe disease. Carlos has mild disease, but subaortic stenosis can progress until the patient is about 2 years of age so we will plan to recheck him around his 2nd birthday to see where he will settle out. Currently, Carlos does not need any cardiac medications.

We will work with Carlos' pet parents and primary care veterinarian to monitor his cardiac health so he can continue to have many fun-filled years ahead!

To learn more about CVCA and subaortic stenosis, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179hFP0

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/12/2022

Can't wait until September!

We would like to thank CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets for their Silver Sponsorship of !

04/06/2022

This is a 2-year-old handsome fella named Gunner! His pet parent is aware of the high prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in Doberman Pinschers like him, so she wanted to get a cardiac screening at a young age as a baseline.

Gunner came to us with no history of cardiac disease, and we performed an echocardiogram and placed a Holter monitor. His echo showed no current evidence of cardiac disease, and his Holter monitor revealed zero arrhythmias, which is fantastic! Dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias are the two most common cardiac conditions we diagnose in Doberman Pinschers. We were so happy to send Gunner home with great news!

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q0179nSV0!

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/03/2022

This is 1-year-old Mikey! He was referred to us by Castlerock Pet Hospital and recently visited us for evaluation of a heart murmur. Mikey's pet parents have previous experience with congenital feline cardiac disease and they wanted to figure out the status of Mikey's heart.

After seeing Dr. Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Mikey's heart has normal cardiac structure and function with a mild dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

This condition is created when the muscle of the left ventricular outflow tract squeezes and narrows the exit to the left ventricle. Much like a garden hose with your thumb over the end, this creates fast and turbulent blood flow, which is noted as a murmur. This is generally considered a benign finding secondary to elevated sympathetic nervous system tone, however some cats with outflow tract obstruction may develop structural cardiac disease in the future.

We will work with Mikey's pet parents and primary care veterinarian to monitor his outflow tract obstruction so he can continue to live a happy life!

To learn more about CVCA and how we help pets with cardiac disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179nsK0

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

02/04/2022

2/4/22- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Austin-Northwest will have a delayed open at 12:00 PM today. We will keep this page updated. If you have any non-urgent inquiries, please email us at [email protected] and we will respond as soon as we can. We apologize for any inconvenience.

02/03/2022

2/3/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Austin-Northwest will be closed today. We will keep this page updated. If you have any non-urgent inquiries, please email us at [email protected] and we will respond as soon as we can. We apologize for any inconvenience.

01/05/2022

Hey Zoe! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by Banfield Pet Hospital and last saw Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Zoe is seen here with Dr. Lindholm, bonding a little before the exam!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/Q0118vF70!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

12/29/2021

This is Gwyn! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by Bluebonnet Riverside Veterinary Clinic and last saw Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Gwyn’s favorite activity is sleeping on the patio furniture and her favorite food is carrots! 🥕

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/Q0118vF-0!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

12/22/2021

This is Trinity! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by Bulverde Animal Hospital and last saw Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Our team said, "She spent most her exam head butting and climbing everyone’s shoulders. We almost didn’t give her back!" Pictured here is our team leader Beau and Dr. Lindholm with Trinity! ❤️

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.ly/Q010Zfs60!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

12/08/2021

Meet Baila! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by Thrive Affordable Vet Care and last saw Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Her family said, "Baila is a top notch swimmer. She loves paddle boarding with her besties. She knows how to play dead, speak and high five. At 12 years old, she still lives for hiking, exploring and chasing squirrels. She loves a good belly rub and trying to lick your teeth when you least expect it!"

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/Q010gsT90!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

11/16/2021

This is Princess! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by South Bosque Veterinary Clinic and last saw Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Princess is a cute, photogenic Scottish Fold! Here she is with Dr. Bordelon and at home in her favorite hat! 👒

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/H0_jDQ20!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

10/14/2021

Hey Cobi! He was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by Crystal Mountain Animal Hospital and last saw Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Cobi's family said, "Cobi loves to get in the bed at bedtime but has to push all of the pillows off of the bed before he settles to sleep. I also have to prop extra hand weights up against the pet gates a to prevent him from "breaking in" to the cat's room to steal the cat food!" 😱

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/H0Y9fq90!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

10/07/2021

It's Mia! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by BEEVET Animal Hospital and last saw Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Kristin fit Mia in a Holter Monitor to get some at-home test results! Mia definitely doesn't seem to mind with that big smile on her face! 😀

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/H0Y9pQk0!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

09/30/2021

Hey Lila! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by Northwest Veterinary Hospital and last saw Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Toni and Lila are getting acquainted here before Lila's appointment! ❤️

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/H0Y9nxV0!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.