What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

Home
United States
Columbia, MD
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets is dedicated to collaborating with your veterinarian to deliver compassionate, expert cardiac care.
(20)

CVCA is the leading choice for veterinary cardiology. Our team of board-certified veterinary cardiologists treats more patients with heart disease than any other practice worldwide. Our expertise and top-of-the-line echocardiography equipment ensure an accurate diagnosis and the best outcome for your pet. Entrust your pet's care to a board-certified cardiologist!

11/11/2024

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

11/05/2024

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

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

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

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

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

Happy breathing! 😸🐶

10/31/2024

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

10/24/2024

Life is Golden. 💛

This handsome 10-year-old is Mowgli!

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

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

10/15/2024

Happy Vet Tech Appreciation Week!!

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

10/11/2024

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

10/08/2024

What is P I M O B E N D A N ❓❓

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

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

10/03/2024

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

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

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

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

10/01/2024

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

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

10/01/2024

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

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

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

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

Happy walking!! 🍃

09/25/2024

Love is a wet nose and a happy tail! ❤

09/24/2024

This adorable 3 month old is Archie! 😍

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

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

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

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

09/19/2024

Excuse me, I need moar food! 🐱

09/12/2024

Life is better with a Dane! 🐾

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

What is dilated cardiomyopathy❓

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

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

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

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

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

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

09/06/2024

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

09/02/2024

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

08/30/2024

SIX FUN LABOR DAY ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG!

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

Have a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Yours truly,
CVCA cardiac care for pets ❤

08/29/2024

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

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

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

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

09/26/2022

This is Moira! She was referred by DocSide Veterinary Medical Center and recently visited us to monitor her cardiomyopathy or a thickened heart muscle

After seeing Jesse Miller, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Moira is doing great and we were able to discontinue one of her medications!!

Moira has been seeing us for several months and we'll be keeping an eye on her to make sure her heart works as best as it can! Her mom says her favorite things are napping in the sun, cuddling in mom's lap and chowing down on Temptations treats! Mom also describes her as a chatty senior who likes to get her way! Moira had a lot to say to us during her visit.

To learn more about CVCA, visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-kx30.

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

09/19/2022

This is Hank! He was referred by New Holland Veterinary Hospital and recently visited us to monitor his heart disease.

After seeing Jesse Miller, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Lacy, veterinary assistant for an exam, we found that Hank is doing great!

Hank was diagnosed several years ago with a double chamber right ventricle (DCRV) and mitral valve dysplasia, an abnormally formed mitral valve. DCVR is a congenital heart anomaly where the right ventricle is divided into two chambers. Hank has been on medications for several years and is very stable.

Hank is a staff favorite. We plan on seeing him yearly and are hopeful that Hank's heart will continue to stay stable and he will continue to do well

To learn more about CVCA visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-bjY0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

09/12/2022

This sweet girl is Molly! ❤️ She was referred to us by Banfield Pet Hospital and recently visited CVCA for a new heart murmur.

After seeing Dr. Sloane Everett and Anna, RVT, we found that Molly has an inherited condition called Subaortic Stenosis. SAS is defined as abnormal tissue located just below the aortic valve that creates an obstruction the heart has to overcome to pump blood out to the body. This makes the heart have to work harder and as a result, over time, a thicker heart muscle.

Fortunately, Molly has a mild form of SAS and does not require any medical treatment at this time. We will work closely with her primary care veterinarian and continue to monitor her condition!

Molly is a super star. 🌟 She enjoyed getting belly rubs, eating treats and telling Anna all of her secrets during her visit.

Click here to learn more about CVCA and SAS https://hubs.li/Q01m2Srq0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

08/24/2022

This cutie is Ace! Ace came in for a recheck of his heart to reevaluate his degenerative valve disease. Dr. Sloane Everett had the pleasure of meeting Ace and giving his Mom the great news that he is doing well.

Degenerative valve disease is one of the most common heart diseases we see in dogs. This happens when the valves become thicker than normal and don't provide a perfect seal, allowing blood to flow backwards. There is most likely a genetic or hereditary component to this issue. Over time, the heart can become larger due the extra blood staying in the heart instead of going out to the body.

Ace was referred to us by Veterinary Park Potomac and has been a patient with us for several years. After his appointment, Ace's Mom informed us that Ace said, "Best day ever! I got belly rubs, people were super nice and funny, and I got amazing treats - not to mention great news on my echo. No butts to sniff, but beggars can’t be choosers.”
You're the best, Ace!!

To learn more about degenerative valve disease, visit: https://hubs.li/Q01kSYY00

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

05/25/2022

This is Sasha! He was referred by DocSide Veterinary Medical Center and recently visited us for a heart murmur and an increased BNP level.

After seeing Steve Rosenthal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), we found that Sasha has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thick, causing the heart to become stiff. Left untreated, this can lead to congestive heart failure. This is one of the most common heart diseases we see in cats and is commonly the result of a genetic mutation. A blood test, called NT-proBNP, is a reliable cardiac marker. When the heart becomes stretched or stressed, it will release a protein causing these results to be elevated.

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

To learn more about CVCA and https://hubs.li/Q01bw_Jn0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

05/11/2022

This is Misha! She was referred by Harbor View Veterinary Hospital and recently visited us to monitor her mitral valve disease.

After seeing Matt Boothe, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), and Lisa, a CVCA RVT, for an exam, we found that Misha is doing great!

She has degenerative valve disease. This is one of the most common heart diseases we see in older, smaller breed dogs. This occurs when the heart valves become thick, causing them to not close properly allowing the blood to flow backwards. Over time, the heart can enlarge due to the back up of blood. There is most likely a genetic component to this disease.

Misha has been seeing us for over a year 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/Q019M74Q0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

04/13/2022

Dr. Rosenthal had the pleasure of seeing Mackey again to check up on his heart! You can see him here hanging out with Dr. Rosenthal. He was such a well-behaved dog for us - a staff favorite! 🐶

Mackey was referred to us by West Friendship Animal Hospital and has been a patient with us for a little over 2 years. We have been monitoring his mitral valve disease which has slightly progressed. He will now need some medication to help stabilize his condition. But we believe he will do just fine.

To learn more about degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179gqk0.

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

04/06/2022

This is Albus.🐶 He was referred by Veterinary Park Potomac and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Dr. Jesse Miller, CVCA's 3rd year resident, for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Albus has a few issues including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), subaortic stenosis (SAS) and degenerative valve disease (DVD).

Albus' heart murmur is due to a combination of mitral valve disease (Leaky mitral valve) and the subaortic stenosis (abnormal tissue located just below the aortic valve that creates an obstruction the heart). DCM is described as a weakened heart muscle caused by genetics or possibly diet. Golden Retrievers, like Albus, are predisposed to these conditions.

Even with all his heart issues, Albus kept a smile on his face and loved everyone he came in contact with. He will be on a regimen of cardiac medications to keep him feeling good!

To learn more about CVCA and dilated cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q016pr650.

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

03/30/2022

This is Waylon. He was referred by Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital and recently visited us to monitor his mitral valve disease.

After seeing Dr. Steve Rosenthal for an exam, we found that Waylon is doing great!

Waylon is a bomb sniffing, police dog for the local police department. He may be tough on the job, but he was a total lovebug for his visit with us! He enjoyed holding his tennis ball during his echocardiogram.

Waylon has been seeing us for about a year and we'll be keeping an eye on him to make sure his heart works as best it can! But for now, he is is in perfect condition to continue working. Thank you for your service, Waylon!!

To learn more about CVCA and degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q016pp_Z0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

03/02/2022

This is Chloe! She was referred by Banfield Pet Hospital and recently visited us to monitor her degenerative valve disease.

After seeing Dr. Rosenthal and Lisa for an exam and belly rubs, we found that Chloe is doing great!

She was brave, active participant in our recent Purina Study. Thanks Chloe!

Chloe has been seeing us for 3 years 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/Q014Tqww0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

02/10/2022

This is Tasha! She was referred by VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge and recently visited us to monitor her hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

After seeing Dr. Miller for an exam, we found that Tasha is doing great!

Tasha loves to snuggle. She is seen here with her technician, Lisa, taking a rest on her shoulders.

Tasha has been seeing us 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 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats, visit https://hubs.ly/Q013WNV90

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

01/05/2022

Meet Lulu! She was referred to us by Dr. Julie Benson of Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital. She last saw CVCA doctor Steven Rosenthal, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology)!
Lulu is seen here with tech Kristen and Dr. Rosenthal. She's such a good patient! 🐶❤️

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/Q0118sf90.

01/05/2022

1/5/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Columbia will be opening at 9:00 AM 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.

12/29/2021

It's Smokey! He was referred to us by Hickory Ridge Animal Hospital. He last saw CVCA doctor Kristin Jacob, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology)!

He's seen here with Lisa and Dr. Jacob at the beginning of his exam.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets and what happens during an exam with one of our cardiologists, visit our 'What to Expect' page: https://hubs.li/Q0118t480

12/15/2021

This little cutie is Winston! He was referred to us by Dunloggin Veterinary Hospital. He last saw CVCA doctor Steven Rosenthal, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology)!

Mr. Winston's heart was totally normal upon examination! His family was very happy with the news. 🎉💓

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/Q010FTWD0.

12/08/2021

Hey Peaches! 🍑 She was referred to us by Mount Airy Animal Hospital. He last saw CVCA doctor Kristin Jacob, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology)!

She's seen here with Kristen and Dr. Jacob getting her heart listened to!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/Q010gsT50.

12/04/2021

Meet Yogurt! He was referred to us by Dr. Stuart Caplan of Pet Vet of Clarksville. He last saw CVCA doctor Steven Rosenthal, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology)!

Lisa (left) is gently holding Yogurt while Dr. Rosenthal (right) performs the exam! 🐱

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0_N0G80.

11/27/2021

Hey Rocko! He was referred to us by VCA Telegraph Road Animal Hospital and last saw CVCA doctor Jesse Miller, VMD, Resident in Cardiology.

Malek (left) is holding Rocko while Dr. Miller (right) takes a listen to his heart!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0_MZ120.

11/11/2021

Later, Tater! He was referred to us by Dr. Amanda Snelgrove of Caring Hands Animal Hospital and last saw CVCA doctor Jesse Miller, VMD, Resident in Cardiology.

Anna (left) and Dr. Miller (right) are giving Tater his examination prior to his echocardiogram!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0-K5ds0.

11/07/2021

Meet Morty! He was referred to us by Dr. Karlyn McPartland of Cat and Dog Hospital of Columbia. He last saw CVCA doctor Kristin Jacob, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology)!

He's here with Lisa getting ready for his appointment -- he's such a tiny, cute little terrier mix! ❤️

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0-K0610.

10/26/2021

11-26-21: We are experiencing power issues in our CVCA Columbia office. If you are having trouble reaching us by phone, please email [email protected]. We apologize for any inconvenience and will update this page with any news.

10/26/2021

Let's get 'Messi'! He was referred to us by Dr. Kecia Parrish of Hickory Ridge Animal Hospital. He last saw CVCA doctor Kristin Jacob, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology)!

He is one of our favorite patients -- he has a fantastic personality and the cutest ears! 👂

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0ZWKKC0.

Address

10000 Old Columbia Road
Columbia, MD
21046

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

https://cvcavets.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.