What are the opening hours?

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

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

Home
United States
Fairfax, VA
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets is dedicated to collaborating with your veterinarian to deliver compassionate, expert cardiac care.
(17)

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! 👋

01/07/2022

1/7/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Fairfax will be closed today. 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

1/5/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Fairfax will have a delayed open today at 9:00 AM. 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.

01/04/2022

1/4/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Fairfax will have a delayed open today at 9:00 AM. 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.

01/03/2022

1/3/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Fairfax 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.

12/22/2021

With a change in hospital policies due to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, CVCA Fairfax will operate on a curbside basis again starting today. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see clients inside again as soon as possible.

12/22/2021

Meet Doug (and his sister Callie!)! He was referred to us by Dr. Melanie Smith of Hometown Veterinary Clinic and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Doug says, "To my favorite Humans at Fairfax CVCA,

Do you know how Santa gets all those presents delivered in just one night?

He has helpers like me and my sister! Santa gives us lots of treats for helping out." 🎅

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.ly/Q010ZbSC0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

12/15/2021

This is Chaloopa! He was referred to us by Dr. Glenn Gray of Muddy Creek Animal Hospital and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Chaloopa is a spunky dog that lives on a farm with many other animals! 🐶🚜

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/Q010FV7v0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

12/08/2021

This is Harley! She was referred to us by Caring Hands Animal Hospital and last saw Sarah L. Holdt, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Harley is a Great Dane, a breed predisposed to heart conditions. Make sure you have your primary care vet keep an eye on your Great Dane's heart at their annual checkups!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/Q010gmLQ0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

12/04/2021

This little cutie is Peanut! He was referred to us by Dr. Patrick Denney of Pender Veterinary Centre and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Danielle is seen here working with Peanut while Dr. Savino performs the exam!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0_M_nH0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

11/27/2021

It's Toby! He was referred to us by Dr. Siham Ljouad of Banfield Pet Hospital and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Dr. Savino is checking out Toby's exam results -- while getting a little snuggle time in, too! ❤️🐶

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0_MWm90.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

11/16/2021

This is Rudy! He was referred to us by Dr. Jessica Wootton of NOVA Cat Clinic and last saw Sarah L. Holdt, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology).

His family said, "Rudy gets such excellent care at CVCA-Fairfax with Dr. Holdt that has enabled him to live a long (almost 12 years) and happy life. Rudy loves pets, being with people, and "dancing" for treats. Naps and bird watching are his hobbies and he loves to geckle at the bluejays through the windows."

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0_jDn20.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

11/11/2021

It's Baxter! He was referred to us by Dr. Andrea Deoudes of Caring Hands Animal Hospital and last saw Sarah L. Holdt, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Everyone gathered around for this photo with Mr. Baxter! From left: Danielle, Ashleigh, Dr. Holdt, and Dr. Shen! 🤩

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0-K2MD0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

11/07/2021

Hey Suki! She was referred to us by Dr. Robin Gross of Adams Mill Veterinary Hospital and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Dr. Savino is seen here with Suki; their white coats both match perfectly, right? ✅

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0-K5tj0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

10/26/2021

Meet Zuri! He was referred to us by Dr. Seth Mavrich of Dupont Veterinary Clinic and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Zuri (left) and his brother Zion (right) are trying on their new Halloween costumes! Aren't they great? 🦒🦀

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0ZWSMZ0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

10/20/2021

Meet Muffin (right) and Eddie (left)! Muffin was referred to us by Dr. Cari Jones of Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and last saw Sarah Lehman Holdt, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Muffin loves to spend time hanging out with her best friend, Eddie, just like this! 🐶❤️🐱

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0ZvmS40.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

10/14/2021

Hey Alfred! He was referred to us by Dr. Kristina Bazemore of NOVA Cat Clinic and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

How ADORABLE is he with Dr. Savino here? Look at his cute little face! 😍🐱

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0Y9rJ90.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

10/07/2021

It's cute little Lily! She was referred to us by Dr. Kathryn Fuller of Morganna Animal Clinic and last saw Sarah Lehman Holdt, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Brittany (left) and Ashleigh (right) are pictured here with Lily, drawing some blood for some tests! 💉

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0Y9pQl0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

09/30/2021

Meet Yuki! He was referred to us by Banfield Pet Hospital and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Ashleigh (left) and Danielle 9right) are taking Yuki's blood pressure -- a very important start to any CVCA visit!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0Y9r_Q0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

09/22/2021

Meet Charlie! He was referred to us by Occoquan Animal Hospital and last saw Sarah Lehman Holdt, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Danielle is seen here placing Charlie's Holter monitor! What a good boy!🐶❤️

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

09/18/2021

Meet Amici! He was referred to us by Benson Animal Hospital and last saw Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Dr. Savino and Amici are seen here having a quick photo op during his appointment! 📸❤️

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0XbKPv0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

09/12/2021

Meet Charlie! He was referred to us by Dr. Kimberly Schultz of Friendship Hospital for Animals and last saw Sarah Lehman Holdt, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Ashleigh and Charlie are having a little treat time during his appointment with us! 🐶😋

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0WLgt20.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

09/08/2021

Beyonce is in the building! She was referred to us by Dr. Asia Campfield of Caring Hands Animal Hospital and last saw Sarah Lehman Holdt, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Beyonce is seen here with Dr. Holdt being a wonderfully behaved girl during her exam - we're 'Crazy in Love' with her! 😍

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0WLjzS0.

CVCA Fairfax is located inside VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

Address

8500 Arlington Boulevard
Fairfax, VA
22031

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+15713483888

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.