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CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

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Frederick, MD
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets is dedicated to collaborating with your veterinarian to deliver compassionate, expert cardiac care.
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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! 👋

03/31/2022

3/31/22 -- CVCA Frederick is closed today due to severe weather. 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.

02/16/2022

This is Gunner! He was referred by Airpark Animal Hospital and recently visited us to monitor his Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia.

After seeing Kacie Schmitt Felber, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for a recheck exam, we found that Gunner also has Ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD).

Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia is a rare congenital heart defect most commonly seen in Labrador Retrievers (like Gunner!), Irish Setters, Great Danes and German Shepherds. It is a malformation of the Tricuspid Valve, or right atrioventricular valve, that separates the right atrium from the right ventricle. Because the valve is malformed, it does not close properly allowing for a backflow of blood into the right atrium. In cases like Gunner's, the right atrium and ventricle become enlarged. Ostium secundum atrial septal defect is a hole between the upper chambers of the heart (right and left atria). Both congenital heart defects can lead to enlargement of the right side of the heart and, ultimately, congestive heart failure.

When Gunner was diagnosed with TVD at 3 months of age, his family was told that he may not see past his 1st birthday. Gunner has now been seeing us for almost 2 years and we'll be keeping an eye on him to make sure his heart works as best it can! His family calls him remarkable and reports that he is doing incredibly well at home!

To learn more about CVCA and Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia, visit https://hubs.li/Q013WXvJ0, all are on our website under Dog Heart Disease.

CVCA Frederick is located inside Care Frederick - Crossroads Animal Referral & Emergency.

02/10/2022

It's Effie! She was referred to us by Banfield Pet Hospital and last saw Kacie Schmitt Felber, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

A fun fact about Effie: " Effie was born in the lovely country of Ghana and raised by her dad for 2 years before she was brought over the the US. She is the mother of 6 pups that stayed in Ghana." 🇬🇭

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit https://hubs.ly/Q013WJ-q0.

CVCA Frederick is located inside of CARE Veterinary Center.

01/17/2022

1/17/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Frederick 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.

01/07/2022

1/7/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Frederick will have a delayed open at 10:00 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.

12/18/2021

Jennifer Lynn Pace, Team Lead of Frederick, lost a tragically short fight with an aggressive form of cancer on Saturday, November 20th. Today would have been her 42nd birthday.

Jen was an amazing friend, a devoted daughter, doting aunt, wonderful sister, loving partner, the best cat mom, and a new mother. She gave birth to Gus Daniel just eight months ago–the same month she and her partner, Derek, bought their first home.

If you would like to help, we are collecting donations for her family to support them in this difficult time: https://hubs.li/Q010FSjB0

08/23/2021

It's Rory! He was referred to us by Littlestown Veterinary Hospital and last saw Kacie Schmitt Felber, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Rory is a sweet boy! His family said: "Rory was adopted at 1 year of age from the Adams County SPCA. Right from the beginning, he was the friendliest cat and preferred to hang out with people or watch them from the windows. Rory does not like the cold, and all winter long he sleeps curled up next to his pet parent." 🐱😍

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit https://hubs.li/H0VNj2p0.

CVCA Frederick is located inside of CARE Veterinary Center.

08/11/2021

Meet Gia! She was referred to us by Dr. Lisa Hennings of West Frederick Veterinary Hospital and last saw Brett Boorstin, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Gia and Jenny are getting along like two peas in a pod before her appointment! 🐶❤️

For more information about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit our website: https://hubs.li/H0TXh-S0

CVCA Frederick is located inside of Care Frederick - Crossroads Animal Referral & Emergency.

07/18/2021

Snapple, Crackle, Pop! Snapple was referred to us by Dr. Julie Scaccia of Rock Spring Veterinary Clinic and last saw Julia Shih, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Here she is with Amanda and Dr. Miller, getting an echo and hanging out afterwards! This little pup was a paw-fect patient! 🐶💓

For more information about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit our website: https://hubs.li/H0RNYCz0

CVCA Towson is located inside of Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

07/18/2021

It's Monty! He was referred to us by Dr. Rosealie Gibson of Rock Spring Veterinary Clinic and last saw Kacie Schmitt Felber, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

He's getting his blood pressure taken here with our team members Jenny and Kelly. He was such a good boy! 🐱❤️

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit https://hubs.li/H0RNXZM0.

CVCA Frederick is located inside of CARE Veterinary Center.

07/14/2021

Meet Monkey! She was referred to us by Dr. Deanna Becker of NorthPaws Animal Hospital and last saw Kacie Schmitt Felber, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Her parents say: "We adopted Monkey during the pandemic and she has brought so much joy and light to our home. She's smart and athletic and will play ball all day. Loves to sleep in. We are so happy to have her. Thank you for giving her such excellent care and providing us with peace of mind." ❤️

CVCA Frederick is located inside of CARE Veterinary Center.

07/11/2021

Hey Miloh! He was referred to us by Brunswick Crossing Animal Hospital and last saw Kacie Schmitt Felber, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)!

Miloh's here with Jenny getting ready for his exam! 🐶

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit https://hubs.li/H0RNX_60.

CVCA Frederick is located inside of CARE Veterinary Center.

Address

7330 Guilford Drive
Frederick, MD
21704

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+12404574387

Website

https://cvcavets.com/

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