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! 👋

06/02/2023

We're so excited for the move to our new location (and our upcoming name change, too)! Find us later this month at CVRC Hunt Valley, 10626 York Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030. We will make another announcement once the move is complete!

05/25/2022

This is Sparkle Smash! She was referred by Heston Veterinary Medical Center and recently visited us for a continuous murmur that was heard by her veterinarian.

After seeing Sloane Everett, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Sparkle Smash has patent ductus arteriosus.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the failure of a large blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) to close just after birth. At birth, the vessel should ideally close within hours, directing blood to flow into the newly inflated lung, but in cases such as this it does not. Without having surgery, our little furry friends have a 50% chance of not making it through the year.

We have recommended a PDA surgery within the next few weeks. We are working closely with her primary care veterinarian to manage any symptoms and issues that arise for Ms. Sparkle Smash.

A fun fact! Sparkle Smash was named after a monster truck that the owner's youngest child saw at a show. When meeting this young German Shepard to adopt her, they knew instantaneously she had to have that name.

To learn more about PDA, visit https://hubs.li/Q019L-Nf0.

CVCA Towson is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

05/18/2022

This is Thor! He was referred by Aloha Animal Hospital and recently visited us to monitor his cardiac condition.

After seeing Sloane Everett, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Thor is doing great and his dilated cardiomyopathy has not progressed, but is stable.

Dilated cardiomyopathy can occur when the heart muscle becomes diseased. It causes loss of heart muscle strength, enlargement of the heart, and a decreased ability to pump blood through the body

Thor has been seeing us for 2 years 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 Dilated cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q019Xqp30.

CVCA Towson is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

05/11/2022

Carl is a 7 year old domestic shorthair, whose favorites hobbies include watching TV, snuggling with his mom, and eating snacks! We recently met Carl after he was referred to us by Madonna Veterinary Clinic to take a look at Carl's heart. Sloane Everett, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) checked him out and we'll make sure he is as heart-healthy as possible!

At his visit, he loved to snuggle with us on the echocardiogram table and get lots of love and head rubs. We were able to give his mom some great news as he has a normal heart size and function!

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q019XqV_0!

CVCA Towson is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

04/27/2022

This is Fred! He was referred by Banfield Pet Hospital and recently visited us to monitor his condition.

Fred has sick sinus syndrome, which means he has a slow heart rhythm with a pause.

After seeing Sloane Everett, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Fred is doing great!

He has been seeing us for one year and we'll be keeping an eye on him to make sure his heart works as best it can!

To learn more about CVCA, visit https://hubs.li/Q018ZwMy0!

CVCA Towson is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

04/13/2022

This is Matthew! He was referred by West Lancaster Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Sloane Everett, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and for an exam, we found that Matthew has an innocent heart murmur, which is slightly fast blood flow leaving the heart during excitement.

At this time we do not recommended a treatment plan for Matthew, which is wonderful news for him and his family!

CVCA Towson is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

04/06/2022

This is Sirius! he was referred by Pikesville Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Catherine Pouliot, DVM, Resident in Cardiology for an exam, we found that Sirius has mild hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

This is a progressive thickening of the heart and dilation of the left atrium.

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

To learn more about CVCA and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179gqq0

CVCA Towson is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

02/02/2022

This little one is Gee! She was referred to us by Dr. Sarah Halpem of Paradise Animal Hospital and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Gee is pictured here at his biweekly aqua therapy session to keep his legs strong! He has a mild case of degenerative valve disease and saw us a few weeks ago for his recheck!

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

01/05/2022

This is Libby! She was referred to us by Tidewater Veterinary Hospital, LLC and last saw Lilian Shen, DVM, Resident in Cardiology!

Libby is seen here sitting for her echocardiogram with Dr. Shen!

For more information about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit our website: https://hubs.li/Q0118vFb0

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

12/29/2021

Meet Talon! He was referred to us by Dr. Meredith Miller of VCA Newark Animal Hospital and last saw Kate Pouliot, DVM, Resident in Cardiology!

His mom says, "Talon is a very friendly dog and likes to be petted. He is afraid of most small dogs but loves his two yellow lab neighbors, Tater and Axel. He whines for them to come and run and play!" 🐶🐶

For more information about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit our website: https://hubs.li/Q0118vvH0

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

12/22/2021

This little one is Coconut! She was referred to us by Dr. Christine Gernhart of Timonium Animal Hospital and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Her family says, "Coconut loves to wear sweaters and pajamas. She also loves to sleep under the covers with her head on a pillow like a human. She would rather eat treats and get hugs all day than eat her dog food so she frequently flips her bowl over to hide it." 😱

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

12/08/2021

Meet Optimoose Prime (Moose)! He was referred to us by Manchester Vet Services and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Moose is a 6 year old English Mastiff. He enjoys sitting on his couch, laying around being big (about 230 pounds), and lounging with his little sister Miss Mabel Maxima (Mabel, about 200 pounds). He also shares his space with two pug sisters, Gracie Belle and Pearlie Belle!

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

11/11/2021

It's Karina! She was referred to us by Dr. Lisa Hoffman of Hoffman Animal Hospital and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Amanda is here making Karina comfortable prior to her appointment. We strive to keep all animals that walk through our door feel safe through every step of the way!

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

11/07/2021

This beautiful boy is Nausi! He was referred to us by Dr. Robert Silcox of Hickory Veterinary Hospital and last saw Jesse Miller, DVM, Resident in Cardiology!

Nausi is a fantastic patient, a 4.5 year old golden! He was so well-behaved for our team! ❤️

For more information about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit our website: https://hubs.li/H0-K1Ty0

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

10/26/2021

It's Nina! She was referred to us by Eastern Animal Hospital and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Nina is so very sweet -- she's a true 'lap dog' while Ashley checks her out on the computer! 🐾

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

10/20/2021

Meet Nya! She was referred to us by Basin Run Animal Hospital and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Nya is an Irish Wolfhound -- did you know that two of our doctors took part in a study about the breed? Take a look: https://hubs.li/H0ZvdRM0

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

10/14/2021

This is Jojo! He was referred to us by Dr. Keith Gold of Chadwell Animal Hospital and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

It's not often we get to work on a feathered friend, but Jojo was an unflappable patient! We were able to get this 29-year-old parrot checked out and make sure his little heart is healthy! 🐦♥️

For more information about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit our website: https://hubs.li/H0Y9lVc0

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

10/07/2021

Hey Rose! She was referred to us by Dr. Pamela Nesbitt of Catonsville Cat Clinic and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Rose was a very patient girl with us! She's pictured here with Jillian! 🐱👍

For more information about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit our website: https://hubs.li/H0Y9qzW0

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

09/30/2021

Meet Sadie! She was referred to us by Dr. Rachel Gore of Prettyboy Veterinary Hospital and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Sadie is a gorgeous, happy little Maltipoo! What a pleasure to have in our office! 😍🐾

For more information about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit our website: https://hubs.li/H0Y9jDd0

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

09/27/2021

9-27-21: Our power is back! Thank you for your patience during this unexpected outage! You can rest easy knowing CVCA Towson is back in business. 😉💤

09/27/2021

9-27-21: CVCA Towson is currently experiencing a power outage. We do not know when power will be restored. If you have questions via email, response times may be slowed as we wait for power to be restored. We apologize for any inconvenience and will keep this page updated as we know more.

09/24/2021

Enter to win! We are proud to be a sponsor of Show Your Soft Side’s anniversary!

Want to win two tickets to the Party of the Decade? To enter, share this post and tag a friend. The winner will be announced next week.

Our 10th anniversary is sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka, The Kroneberger Group at RBC Wealth Management, The Baldwin & Griffin Group, State Farm, CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, Pet+E.R. - Towson, Maryland Lottery, Dani Murphy of The PCS Home Team, Peninsula Colony Cats and The Gary & Robin Bozel Charitable Foundation.