CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

05/05/2024

Happy Cinco De Mayo! If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate with your furry friends, try making them this simple, but refreshing Bark-arita! 😋

04/30/2024

Did you know that over 6 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide every year according to the ASPCA? This National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, consider adopting a furry friend in need or donating to your local animal shelter. ❤️

Did you rescue your furry friend from a shelter? Share a picture of them in the comments below!

04/27/2024

It’s World Veterinary Day! To our AMAZING teammates – thank you for all you do for our clients! To our clients, we are honored to be your care partner for your beloved pets. 💗

04/05/2024

This handsome guy doesn't need "Moe" medications!

CVCA is happy to report that Moe’s heart disease has progressed very little over the past year and a half, with findings being fairly similar to those we observed in September of 2022. While myxomatous valve disease is a progressive condition, it can sometimes proceed at a slow enough rate that little or no discernible change occurs from one echocardiogram to the next. This is the case for Moe compared to his last exam, which is fantastic news! 🎊

We are also happy to report that based on Moe’s recent chest x-rays, there is no evidence of congestive heart failure thus far. As a result, we do not need to add any additional medications (currently on Pimobendan) at this time. Yayyyy, we're so excited for you Moe!! 🍉

04/01/2024

Happy April Fool’s Day! Ready for a joke?

What is a rabbit’s favorite place to eat for breakfast? …IHOP 🤭

It may be a day for pranks, jokes, and laughs, but when it comes to your pet’s care, there’s no fooling around! Call us today to book your fur baby’s appointment with us!

03/31/2024

Hoppy Easter from CVCA!! 🐰🌼

03/23/2024

On National Puppy Day, we appreciate the joy that puppies bring into our lives.
If you’re looking to add a fluffy friend to the family, visit your local animal shelter to fall in love with a pup who is looking for a home. ❤

03/13/2024

On K9 Veteran’s Day, we commemorate all of the four-legged Veterans out there. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

02/27/2024

This love bug is Myrtle! 

A respiratory sinus arrhythmia was noted during Myrtle's physical exam and throughout her echocardiogram. Despite the word “arrhythmia” in the name, this refers to a normal type of cardiac rhythm irregularity, which is related to the different phases of respiration (heart rate increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation). This is something that we see commonly in dogs and is not a reason for concern. Based on this, no further diagnostic testing was considered necessary. Get it girl! 🎊

02/21/2024

Sir Meowington is ready for his photoshoot (echocardiogram)! 📸

02/20/2024

Happy International LOVE YOUR PET DAY!!! ❤❤❤

02/20/2024

It’s National Love Your Pet Day! Just an excuse to snuggle your furry friend or critter a little extra today. 🤗 What do you love most about your pet?

02/16/2024

Missy is ready to schedule your next Cardiology appointment!! 🤓❤

02/14/2024

9 Reasons why pets make the Purrrfect date on Valentine's Day! 🌹

❤ Pets think you are pawfect the way you are. No matter how the rest of the world sees you, in your pet’s eyes you are the coolest and most beautiful person ever.
 

❤ Pets don’t care about expensive gifts, flowers or chocolates. The only gift they want is your time. And pats. And walks. And cheese.
 

❤ Pets are drama-free. They wear their hearts on their furry sleeve and express their feelings openly and honestly.
 

❤ Pets are always happy to see you.
Whether you are gone a month or five minutes, a dog will be there waiting, tail wagging, going bonkers when you return. A cat will be nuzzling you and purring.
 

❤ Pets always let you pick the movie.
Pets don’t have opposable thumbs to use the remote anyway.
 

❤ Pets never judge. Even on those days (like Valentine’s Day) when you stay in your pajamas all day, watch 27 dresses, and eat ice cream.
 

❤ Pets love to cuddle. ‘Nuff said.
 

❤ Pets can’t eat chocolate, so there’s no need to share. The choccies are all yours!
 
 
❤ Pets love unconditionally. Once you have their heart – you have it forever. 

Pets make the perfect companion for holidays and every day in between. So grab some heart-shaped pet furrrr-iendly treats and some choccies for yourself and celebrate Valentine’s Day with your furry best mate. 

Ezio (as seen below) and CVCA wish you a happy love day! 🥰

02/14/2024

Let the Voting Begin!
"Like" your favorite CVCA Wear Red photo!

02/08/2024

Phyllis has the case of DRVOTO! 🐱

This beauty was referred to us by Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital due to a heart murmur. After seeing Dr. Gregg Rapoport, DVM, DACVIM, we were happy to report that Phyllis's echocardiogram revealed only a benign explanation for her heart murmur, namely a phenomenon known as dynamic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (DRVOTO).

As a solo finding without any other echocardiographic abnormalities (as is the case for Phyllis), this is a harmless entity that is common in cats. While it includes blood flow turbulence that results in an audible heart murmur as was previously noted for Phyllis, it does not cause enlargement of the heart, lead to congestive heart failure, or cause any symptoms. This is great news for Phyllis since we have an explanation for the murmur that was noted, yet it does not constitute a disease or a reason for concern. Whoo hooo! 🎉

02/06/2024

This sweet Valentine is Sophie! 🎀

Sophie initially saw CVCA as a consultation from BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital and was diagnosed with left-sided congestive heart failure. After several re-evaluations and close monitoring, her congestive heart failure has remained well compensated. 🥳 She continues to be a happy girl at home with sleeping respiratory rates (SRR) being 16-24 breaths per minute (bpm). 

➡️ How to check SRR's: Rates 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 Veterinarian or Cardiologist to discuss whether a medication change might be necessary. If you like, you can also 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! 🐶🐱

01/31/2024

This sweet boy is Chewy. ❤

He was referred to us by the Portland Veterinary Wellness Center due to an abnormal NT-proBNP. 

Huh⁉️ An NT-proBNP is a simple blood test that works by detecting a protein that is released in response to cardiac stretch or stress. 

Gregg Rapoport, DVM, DACVIM performed an echocardiogram on Chewy which revealed no abnormalities, which is fantastic news! 😍

Regarding the elevated NT-proBNP test result on Chewy’s bloodwork, this represented a false positive result, or an abnormal test result despite a normal echocardiogram (no heart disease). It is not uncommon for false positive results to occur, where a number above a laboratory reference range is reported despite the absence of true disease. This is particularly common for this test when the result is obtained from a cat without symptoms of heart disease (e.g., rapid or labored breathing). Now that an echocardiogram has been performed, Chewy's caretakers can rest easy that Chewy does not have any identifiable heart disease at this time. YAYYY!!! 🥳

01/25/2024

Who's ready for a walk? Sheldon is!! 💛

Sheldon presented to CVCA for an initial evaluation and was diagnosed with degenerative valve disease (ACVIM stage B2) with severe left atrial and severe left ventricular chamber enlargement.

Due to this stage of disease, Sheldon was started on a new cardiac medication called Pimobendan (Vetmedin).

What is Pimobendan ⁉️

Pimobendan is a medication that has two separate effects on the heart. One of these is an increase in cardiac contractility or the strength with which the heart pumps blood. It does this by allowing the heart to make more efficient use of calcium, which is central to the pumping activity of heart muscle. The second effect is relaxation of blood vessels. By allowing blood vessels to open more widely, it becomes easier for the heart to pump blood through them. Also, the additional space for fluid within the blood vessels may make it less likely for fluid to leak out of them and into the lungs or body cavities.

-Side-effects are uncommon, however occasionally gastrointestinal upset (most commonly diarrhea) can be seen when this medication is first started.

We will monitor Sheldon’s heart closely in hopes to keep him comfortable and symptomatic-free!

01/24/2024

It’s Change a Pet’s Life Day! Tell us how you and your pet have changed each other’s lives in the comments below. 🐕❤️🧍🏻

01/22/2024

Cats are inquisitive and sometimes unpredictable creatures! This National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day, spend some time with your cat – observe their body language and mannerisms to better understand what they might be trying to tell you!

If you’re looking for more answers, call us today to book an appointment for your feline friend. 🐱

01/19/2024

January is National Walk Your Pet Month! Along with the countless benefits that walking your pet brings, we know it’s their favorite time of the day, too! 🐕❤️

Regularly walking your dog helps them:
1. Maintain a healthy body weight
2. With mobility and joint health
3. Maintain good digestive and urinary health
4. Sleep better
5. Live a happier life!

01/15/2024

Happy International Dress Up Your Pet Day!!! 🐾

01/10/2024

Say cheeesssee!!! 😍

Koda Sue presented to CVCA for a re-evaluation of degenerative mitral valve disease (ACVIM stage B1) with Meghan Allen, DVM, DACVIM.

Stage B1 refers to dogs that have heart disease (characterized by a typical mitral regurgitation murmur) but do not have an enlarged heart on radiography/echocardiography or clinical signs of the disease.

Consequences of degenerative valve disease that can develop in the future include congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure within the blood vessels of the lungs), and rarely atrial tear.

Koda Sue’s recheck showed minimally progressive mitral regurgitation but with normal left heart size and function. Koda Sue has a stable, small leak of the aortic valve, an occasional finding in dogs with degenerative valve disease. Despite the mild progressive changes noted, Koda Sue’s heart appeared largely stable and her disease continues to be mild. This is great news! 🎊

We will continue to monitor Koda Sue’s heart closely to make sure she continues to be the happy pup that she is! 🤗

01/04/2024

This happy girl is Matilda! 🥰 She returned to CVCA for a re-evaluation of her Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), also known as Boxer Cardiomyopathy. We are monitoring her closely on her current antiarrhythmic medication.

What is ARVC ⁉️
In this condition, the muscle of one of the chambers of the heart (usually the right ventricle) is abnormal, leading to the development of serious tachyarrhythmias (abnormally fast heart rhythms). Most frequently, these arrhythmias arise from the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). Ventricular arrhythmias may be mild with single abnormal beats observed called ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) or much more severe called ventricular tachycardia which can lead to life-threatening symptoms.

ARVC is characterized by microscopic fatty or fibrotic replacement of the heart muscle cells usually within the right ventricle (pumping chamber), although the left ventricle can also be affected. ARVC in the Boxer breed is considered to be an adult-onset disease with a familial link. There are three broad classifications of the disease: (a) a concealed form with dogs not having any clinical signs of cardiac disease, but with occasional mild ventricular arrhythmias such as VPCs, (b) an overt form where there is evidence of clinical signs such as exercise intolerance and/or collapse with more severe arrhythmias, and (c) a less common form that is characterized by decreased contractility of the heart muscle and signs of congestive heart failure (excessive fluid buildup in the body) in addition to the aforementioned arrhythmias.

Prognosis can be variable for this disease, however, dogs that are asymptomatic and have a good response to antiarrhythmic medications tend to be fair to good, with many dogs remaining aclinical for most of their lives, and that is what we are striving for Matilda!

Big hugs to Matilda and her family!!! ❤

12/28/2023

Hey everyone, meet Stitch! 😍

We previously diagnosed Stitch with subvalvular pulmonic stenosis (PS).

What is PS❓ A congenital (present from birth) defect due to the abnormal development just below one of the heart's valves, called the pulmonic valve. The pulmonic valve separates the right side of the heart (specifically the right ventricle) from the large vessel of the lungs (main pulmonary artery) and is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood between these two structures. With subvalvular PS, there is a thickening of tissue just below the valve and this causes the opening out of the ventricle to be narrowed which obstructs the flow of blood into the lungs.

Consequently, the right ventricle is forced to pump harder to eject the same volume of blood through the narrowed or***ce. This leads to the thickening of the walls of the right ventricle (pressure hypertrophy) and can cause changes in the other structures of the right heart (the tricuspid valve and the right atrium). As blood rushes past the narrowed or***ce and strikes the walls of the pulmonary artery the blood flow is turbulent, this is heard externally as a heart murmur. This is often the very first and only sign that there is a congenital heart defect.

Side effects of PS could also include fatigue, fainting/collapse, or fluid build-up in the abdomen and chest secondary to right-sided heart failure.

Based on Stitch’s echocardiogram, the changes were mild and stable compared to his initial echocardiogram, which means there is a very small possibility that the narrowing may worsen over time, which is wonderful news! 🥳

We will continue to monitor Stitch closely to ensure he lives free of any side effects!

12/22/2023

Happy Holidays from CVCA! 🐾

11/01/2023

Dr. Lefbom, one of our Virginia cardiologists, had 8 tickets to the sold-out show featuring comedian Michelle Buteau at the Kennedy Center in DC. It was turned into a team outing for 3 of our local offices, who had a great time and loved the show!! Their cheeks were sore from laughing for so long!

From left to right: Bea, Acadia, Dr. Shen, Dr. Savino, Dr. Lefbom, Aimee, Hannah, and Veronica

09/13/2023

On this Positive Thinking Day, let's surround ourselves with PAW-sitive energy and spread it to those around us. Share your stories of how your pet brings joy to your life in the comments below!

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.