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! 👋

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/Q01cY6X20

05/25/2022

Ike is back! Ike was referred by Banfield Pet Hospital and recently visited us to monitor his Pulmonic Stenosis (PS) .

After seeing Julie Andrie, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for a recheck echocardiogram, we found that Ike is doing great!

Pulmonic stenosis is a defect involving the pulmonic valve and/or the surrounding structures of the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. The pulmonic valve normally opens during ventricular contraction allowing deoxygenated blood to be pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs. PS is a narrowing of this region (stenosis) resulting in an increased workload on the right ventricle causing hypertrophy (excessive heart muscle thickening).

Ike has been seeing us since 2021 and we'll be keeping an eye on him to make sure his heart works as best it can!

To learn more about CVCA and Pulmonic Stenosis, visit https://hubs.li/Q01bwZnr0

CVCA Austin-Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

05/11/2022

Happy Birthday Pinecone!

Pinecone was originally referred to us by the Austin Humane Society for having an arrhythmia and intermittent bradycardia. Julie Andrie, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) diagnosed Pinecone with unclassified cardiomyopathy and third degree AV block back in July 2021. He recently saw Dr. Andrie for a recheck and found that he has improved, now with normal left ventricular dimensions with normalized systolic function, improved right heart size, and seemingly improved arrhythmia.

Pinecone was adopted by one of the radiation technicians here inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists so we are always updated with how he is doing at home. Here you can see Pinecone celebrating his 1st Birthday! Pinecone also has cerebellar hypoplasia which is a neurological disorder that makes him a little uncoordinated and wobbly but he is certainly living his best cat life 🐱

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q019M5ht0!

05/10/2022

This is Nimbus! He was referred by AM/PM Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and the staff at CVCA Shoal Creek for an echocardiogram, we found that Nimbus has an innocent murmur!

Because of Nimbus' breed, Dr. Meier recommends an annual screening of an NT-ProBNP (blood test) and to recheck with CVCA if that value becomes elevated or if he develops a louder murmur, an arrhythmia, or any clinical signs indicative of cardiac disease.

To learn more about CVCA and Heart disease in cats, visit https://hubs.li/Q019Xpn70

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

05/10/2022

This is Sunny ☀️ He was referred by Love Pet Hospital and recently visited us for a recheck echocardiogram.

CVCA diagnosed Sunny with a PDA in 2020, he had his PDA successfully occluded at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine that same year.

A 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. In Sunny's case, the best course of treatment was to place a device called an Amplatzer ductal occluder, this is deployed to stop the abnormal blood flow through the PDA.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Shelley, LVT for a recheck echocardiogram, we found that Sunny is doing great!

We'll be keeping an eye on Sunny to make sure his heart works as best it can.

To learn more about CVCA and PDA in dogs, visit https://hubs.li/Q019XqGY0

CVCA Austin-Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

05/04/2022

This is Quill! He was referred by New Hope Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a recheck echocardiogram.

Quill has a few congenital heart defects that we have been monitoring since 2020. The more prominent defect we are monitoring is his pulmonic stenosis (PS). He has been on a medication to help slow his heart rate and improve blood flow.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Shannah for his recheck, we found that Quill is doing great! Here you can see Quill giving some snuggles to our team leader Shannah after his appointment ❤️

To learn more about CVCA and Pulmonic Stenosis, visit https://hubs.li/Q018Zz700

CVCA Austin-Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

04/27/2022

This is Wally! He was referred by Buttercup Veterinary Hospital and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and the staff at CVCA Shoal Creek, we found that Wally has degenerative valve disease.

Degenerative valve disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs and usually affects the mitral valve. Wally was started on a medication to help improve his heart function. Over time, the degree of mitral valve regurgitation may worsen so we have put together a treatment plan for Wally and will work with his primary care veterinarian to keep him happy and healthy!

To learn more about CVCA and degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q018ZtfN0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

04/25/2022

Now paging Dogtor Stanley!

Dr. Andrie had the pleasure of seeing Stanley for a recheck after his mom noticed new symptoms that were concerning for worsening heart disease. After our trained staff at CVCA Shoal Creek triaged Stanley's situation it was determined he needed to be seen sooner than his recommended recheck time. After performing his recheck echocardiogram, Dr. Andrie and Dogtor Stanley compared measurements from his previous echo to determine if he had any changes to his heart. Stanley's degenerative valve disease was relatively stable so to investigate his symptoms further a 24 hour Holter monitor was placed.

We have recommended a treatment plan for Stanley and will monitor via serial echocardiography and institute further therapy when progression is noted.

Stanley was referred to us by Spicewood Springs Animal Hospital and has been a patient with us since 2019. Stanley is an expert napper and bowtie aficionado. Check out his Instagram !

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q0179hFy0!

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

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 Babu Frik! He was referred by Banfield Pet Hospital and recently visited us to monitor his Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (thick heart muscle disease).

After seeing Julie Andrie, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for his recheck cardiac workup, we found that Babu is doing great!

At his initial visit with us, Babu had a left ventricular outflow obstruction. He was started on a medication to help reduce this outflow obstruction and to control the heart rate. We are happy to report that at his most recent visit with us, the obstruction has resolved 🐱❤️

Given these improvements, we aren't making any changes to his current cardiac therapy. We will continue to periodically monitor him with his recheck echocardiograms and will make further recommendations if progression is noted

To learn more about CVCA and heart disease in cats visit https://hubs.li/Q016ptS40

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

03/30/2022

Meet Misty! She was referred by Allandale Veterinary Clinic and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Julie Andrie, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for a cardiac workup, we found that Misty has Dilated Cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscle disease).

During her workup, Dr. Andrie noted a ventricular arrhythmia. A Holter monitor was placed to assess the severity of her arrhythmia and to determine if anti-arrhythmics are warranted at this time.

We have recommended a treatment plan for Misty and will work with her parents and primary care veterinarian to keep her happy and healthy!

To learn more about CVCA and DCM in dogs, visit
https://hubs.li/Q016prsy0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

03/23/2022

This is Andme! She was referred by Griffith Small Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for a cardiac workup, we found that Andme has degenerative valve disease (thickened, leaky heart valves).

For our patients, we recommend to monitor closely for any signs of worsening heart disease.

♥Coughing or difficulty breathing
♥Getting more tired on walks or when playing
♥Weakness and/or collapse
♥Bloating / swelling of the belly
♥Monitor breathing rate when asleep to help detect early fluid build up in the lungs.

We have recommended a treatment plan for Andme and will work with her parents and primary care veterinarian to keep her happy and healthy!

To learn more about CVCA and chronic degenerative valve disease, https://hubs.li/Q016pryY0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

03/21/2022

3/21/2022 -- CVCA Austin Shoal Creek will be closing early due to inclement weather. If you have any inquiries, please email us at [email protected]. We apologize for any inconvenience!

03/16/2022

This is Wylie! She was referred by Daylily Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Julie Andrie, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Shelley, LVT for an exam, we found that Wylie has normal heart size and function!

Wylie's murmur is originating from a mild increase in her left ventricular outflow velocity. This is an innocent finding which is not expected to progress or cause clinical signs.

Dr. Andrie only recommends a follow-up echocardiogram if the murmur intensity increases, a change in point of maximum intensity is noted, a new arrhythmia develops, or there are any concerns for clinical signs attributable to cardiac disease.

To learn more about CVCA and heart disease in dogs, visit https://hubs.li/Q014Tz600

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

03/09/2022

This is Molly! She was was referred by VCA Arbor Animal Hospital and recently visited us to get checked out before continuing heartworm treatment.

After seeing Julie Andrie, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Shelley, LVT for a cardiac evaluation, we found that Molly has normal heart size and function with mild pulmonary hypertension.

Molly has heartworm disease and plans to undergo the American Heartworm Society's 3-injection protocol with her primary veterinarian. Heartworms are prevalent in Texas and it is important for our pets to be on consistent preventatives. To learn more about heartworm disease visit https://hubs.li/Q014TrTx0.

During Molly's echocardiogram, Dr. Andrie was able to document heartworms in the distal right pulmonary artery (see picture below).

We have recommended a treatment plan for Molly and will work with Molly's parents and primary care veterinarian to keep her happy and healthy!

To learn more about CVCA and why it is important to have a Cardiologist involved in your pets heart health, visit https://hubs.li/Q014TrKs0!

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

03/09/2022

This is Puka! She was referred by North Lamar Vet Clinic and recently visited us to monitor her Degenerative Valve Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for her routine echocardiogram, we found that Puka is doing great ❣️

Pulmonary Hypertension can develop in dogs with long-standing left-sided heart disease such as degenerative valve disease. Puka does not have any reported clinical signs so medication for her pulmonary hypertension is not indicated at this time.

Puka has been seeing Dr. Meier since 2018 and we'll be keeping an eye on her to make sure her heart works as best it can!

To learn more about CVCA and Heart disease in dogs, visit https://hubs.li/Q015BwBP0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

03/02/2022

Meet KitKat Kaboodles! He was referred by Buttercup Veterinary Hospital and recently visited us to evaluate his heart after his primary care veterinarian noticed abnormalities on an ECG prior to anesthesia.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an evaluation, we found that KitKat has normal heart size and function

KitKat's ECG (electrocardiogram) during his evaluation with us showed a normal sinus rhythm, that combined with normal echocardiogram, and normal results from a blood test called an NT-ProBNP, we suspect the previously noted abnormal rhythm is an intermittent finding.

We recommend KitKat Kaboodles continue to see his primary veterinarian regularly for wellness care, including an annual NT-ProBNP.

To learn more about CVCA and feline heart disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q013WTNj0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

02/27/2022

Meet Stella and Gigi!

They were referred by Spicewood Springs Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a recheck with Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Not only do they have the same household in common, but the same heart disease.
Degenerative valve disease most often affects older small breed dogs of all varieties.
But it can also affect large breed dogs and even cats. Although they develop this condition less often, it can sometimes be better tolerated in large breed dogs.

Dr. Meier has been seeing Gigi since 2018 and Stella since 2020. We will continue to closely monitor Stella and Gigi's heart disease and begin therapy if significant progression is noted.

To learn more about CVCA and degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q013WWzg0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

02/23/2022

This is T-Bone! He was referred by Koy Animal Clinic and recently visited us to monitor his degenerative valve disease.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and the support staff at CVCA Shoal Creek for an exam, we found that T-Bone is doing great!

Dr. Meier has been closely monitoring T-Bone's condition since 2016! T-Bone's condition is progressive in nature and requires vigilant monitoring and consistent follow-up to optimize treatment, thus maintaining an ideal quality of life for our furry friends.

To learn more about T-Bone's condition and why CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets has been the leading choice for veterinary cardiology since 1987 visit https://hubs.li/Q013WTNc0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

02/20/2022

This is Lil Bit! He was referred by Far West Veterinary Clinic and recently visited us to to further investigate a heart murmur that was heard prior to a dental cleaning.

After seeing Julie Andrie, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Lil Bit has mild degenerative valve disease.

With these findings, he is at low risk for complications from cardiac disease and no medications are indicated at this time. Lil Bit is a reasonable candidate for anesthesia with the precautions Dr. Andrie outlined for his primary care veterinarian.

We have recommended a treatment plan for Lil Bit and will work with his parents and primary care veterinarian to keep him happy and healthy!

To learn more about CVCA and degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0133l-F0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

02/16/2022

This is Cannoli! He was referred by Austin Urban Vet Center and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Julie Andrie, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Cannoli has equivocal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Cannoli's heart muscle thickness is in the gray zone for being too thick. We call this equivocal. The rest of his heart is normal in size with normal heart muscle function. We plan to reevaluate his heart in 1 year to determine if his heart thickness is going to progress and become thicker or if he will remain stable, in which case this may be a normal variant for him.💕

We will continue close monitoring with periodic echocardiograms to monitor for progression of the disease and determine whether therapy may be warranted in the future.

To learn more about CVCA and cat heart disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0133n4w0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

02/13/2022

This is Chloe! She was referred by Allandale Veterinary Clinic and recently visited us to monitor her degenerative valve disease.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for a recheck echocardiogram, we found that Chloe is doing great. Her degenerative valve disease is stable with normal internal dimensions and maintained contractility.

During her echocardiogram, she was noted to have a new ventricular arrhythmia. To further investigate the arrhythmia, a 24-hour Holter monitor was placed.

Chloe has been seeing us since 2020 and we'll be keeping an eye on her to make sure her heart works as best it can!

To learn more about CVCA and degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0133l-z0

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.