CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

02/10/2025

How much do you really know about your pet’s heart health?

February is ! Throughout the month, several of our veterinary cardiologists will be myth-busting common perspectives around pet cardiac health.

Get excited to learn more about your furry friend's heart health from some experts! ❤️

If your pet needs a veterinary cardiologist, find a CVCA location near you at cvcavets.com/locations/

02/08/2025

Do you have a scaly, feathered, or furry friend that’s a little outside the norm? 🐍🦎🦜 Our team offers expert care and advice for exotic pets. Call us today to book their appointment!

02/03/2025

This Pet Heart Health Month, here are some tips to help keep your pet’s heart healthy!

01/28/2025

Eat Good, Feel Good! 🌾

Blue had previously been diagnosed with diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy which has resolved following transition to a grain-inclusive, non-legume-based diet and supplementation of taurine.

We are thrilled to report that Blue’s most recent echocardiogram was normal. 🥳 Compared to his last echocardiogram, the measurements of his heart’s size and function have further improved and are all in their normal ranges, providing additional evidence that the previous abnormalities were related to diet.

Given the absence of any significant findings, medications and supplements should no longer be necessary. As long as Blue’s next echocardiogram continues to be normal, he should not require any additional cardiac follow-up appointments.

We are so excited for you Blue!!! 💙

01/27/2025

Here are some of the top benefits of ordering from our online pharmacy. Visit our website to shop today!

01/24/2025

Change a Pet’s Life Day! 🐾

Change a Pet's Life Day is celebrated annually on January 24. This day isn’t only life-changing for our pets, it changes our lives for the better too. Everyone can agree that having a pet brings a limitless amount of happiness and solace since they give us their eternal love, devotion, and support. This day enables us to provide a new home for one or more of the millions of animals in shelters. If you aren’t ready to get a new pet just yet, we’ll go through different ways you can improve the lives of the animals below.

How To Help:

❤ Adopt a pet
❤ Sponsor a pet
❤ Foster a pet

This day is an initiative that stirs up a global awareness of animal shelters, and pet adoption processes. It is essential because the more people that learn about the importance of pet adoption and fostering procedures, the more pets' lives can be changed for the better!

01/24/2025

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

01/23/2025

My cat sure is purr-suasive. 😸

Take a moment to Answer Your Cat's Questions today!

Pay extra attention to your cat's needs and try to understand what they might be "asking" through their behaviors.

Spend time with your cat, give them treats, and try to interpret their meows and body language.

01/07/2025

In a world full of roses, be a daisy! 🌼

Daisy was referred to us by Northwest Veterinary Hospital due to a progressive heart murmur. 

Daisy came to see Dr. Gregg Rapoport, DVM, DACVIM at our Portland, OR location. Echocardiographic findings revealed myxomatous valve disease - ACVIM stage B2. This stage includes evidence of myxomatous degeneration (e.g., thickened mitral valve leaflets) and at least mild enlargement of the left atrium and left ventricle, but no previous or current signs of heart failure. 

This condition is characterized by thickening of one or more of the four valves in the heart (in Daisy’s case, the mitral valve), allowing backward flow of blood. This is called valvular insufficiency or regurgitation (e.g., mitral regurgitation). With more advanced disease, this can lead to heart enlargement and eventually to congestive heart failure, or accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

Daisy does have a degree of heart enlargement such that she may benefit from a medication called pimobendan. This drug has been shown to delay progression to congestive heart failure in dogs with this condition. This medication increases the heart’s contractile strength and relaxes blood vessels, making it easier to pump blood forward. 

We will continue to monitor Daisy closely to ensure she continues to live a comfortable life!

01/06/2025

A CVCA team member, Abi, is here to celebrate National Cuddle Up Day with you!!

January typically has some of the coldest days of the year, so what better way to stay warm and reap the health benefits of cuddling in National Cuddle Up Day? Whether it's a two-dog night (a night so cold it takes two dogs to cuddle up with to stay warm) or only slightly chilly, there are multiple benefits to cuddling with a furry friend. 🤗

01/01/2025

Happy New Years from CVCA!! 🥳

01/01/2025

Our team wishes you a Happy New Year! 🎉

12/19/2024

I've waffled before. I'll waffle again. 🧇

In cats that have the obstructive form of HCM (such as Waffle), one of the heart’s valves (the mitral valve) is pulled out of its proper position when the heart contracts. Instead of being closed and preventing backward flow of blood, this valve is pulled into the path of blood as it exits the left ventricle and enters the aorta. The abnormally positioned mitral valve creates an obstruction to forward blood flow, which may provide an additional reason for thickening of a left ventricle that is already too thick. The abnormal position of the mitral valve also causes a backward leak through the valve (“mitral regurgitation”), since part of the valve is not in the correct location to do its job. In Waffle’s case, the obstructive component of his condition is mild. While it contributes to and may even completely account for his heart murmur, it does not require medical therapy.

Fortunately, Waffle does not have any left atrial enlargement at this time. Therefore, the likelihood that he will develop congestive heart failure appears low for the immediate future. Similarly, he does not appear to be at risk for or a thromboembolic event at this time. We hope this will remain the case but we plan to monitor Waffle’s heart closely to ensure the best quality of life!

12/12/2024

Sweater game strong! 🧣

Do dogs need sweaters? Great question!!

As the weather outside starts to get cold, it’s important to ensure that your dog is warm and comfortable. While some breeds of dogs naturally have a dense fur coat that keeps them warm in cold weather, that isn’t the case for all dogs. 

Dogs that most frequently struggle in colder temperatures are small dogs, especially toy breeds, and dogs without thick fur. Lean dogs with short fur, such as Azawakhs, Whippet, and Greyhounds, also frequently benefit from sweaters during cold weather since they don’t have a lot of fur or body fat to insulate them. Hairless breeds, including the Xoloitzcuintli, American Hairless Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid, and Chinese Crested Dog, may need sweaters during cool and cold weather as they can become cold quickly. Other dogs who benefit from sweaters include dogs whose fur has been shaved, young puppies, and senior dogs.

When selecting sweaters for your dog it’s important to ensure you pick the right size and fit. A properly fitting dog sweater will fit your dog without being too big or too tight. A baggy sweater can result in your dog getting caught or tangled in the sweater. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also be scary or cause your dog to trip and get injured. On the other hand, a sweater that is too tight can restrict movement, which is uncomfortable and can also lead to injuries. A properly fitted sweater should allow your dog to move normally and not restrict their movement while they walk, run, or play.

Avoid leaving your dog unattended while they’re wearing a sweater. Dogs who are unsupervised can become entangled in their sweaters, which could also lead to injuries. Even dogs who are comfortable and like wearing sweaters can accidentally become tangled. If you’re going to leave your dog unattended at home or in a crate, it’s best to remove the sweater first.

Stay warm everyone!! ❄

12/09/2024

Happy International Day of Veterinary Medicine! 🩺

Come join us in recognizing and appreciating the vital work done by veterinarians worldwide!

This day shines a light on the important role veterinarians play not only in animal health but also in human health and welfare.

Veterinarians do more than just take care of our pets; they’re involved in groundbreaking medical research that benefits both animals and humans, work tirelessly to improve animal welfare, and are key players in managing public health concerns.

Their expertise spans a wide range of areas, from cardiology, critical care, shelter medicine and parasitology to complex fields like epidemiology and zoonotic diseases. This day encourages us to show gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

Celebrating this day can involve anything from thanking your local vet with a note or card to learning and sharing information about the latest advancements in veterinary science.It’s a moment to acknowledge that healthy animals lead to healthier communities and that the well-being of animals and humans is deeply interconnected.

A BIG shout out to our CVCA cardiologists! All of you make this world a better place, we couldn't do it without you. 👏🐕🐈

12/05/2024

HAPPY SHELTER PETS DAY (which is on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving)! 

How to Celebrate: 

🐶 Support a shelter 
-Shelters often rely on donations to feed and care for their pets, and sometimes they run on a tight budget. Money, though, is not the only way to show support. You can donate supplies such as food, litter, or toys.

😺 Adopt a pet from a shelter 
-A good way to celebrate is to adopt a pet from a shelter. Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment that requires planning. Once you have made plans and are ready to make that pet a part of your family, don’t hesitate to go for it! 

🐶 Spoil your pet 
-If you already have a pet that you adopted from a shelter then, today would be a good day to spoil them with treats, do their favorite activity, or anything you think would brighten up their day!

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! 😸🐶

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.