CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

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

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!

I've waffled before. I'll waffle again. 🧇In cats that have the obstructive form of HCM (such as Waffle), one of the hear...
12/19/2024

I've waffled before. I'll waffle again. 🧇

In cats that have the obstructive form of HCM (such as Waffle), one of the heart’s valves (the mitral valve) is pulled out of its proper position when the heart contracts. Instead of being closed and preventing backward flow of blood, this valve is pulled into the path of blood as it exits the left ventricle and enters the aorta. The abnormally positioned mitral valve creates an obstruction to forward blood flow, which may provide an additional reason for thickening of a left ventricle that is already too thick. The abnormal position of the mitral valve also causes a backward leak through the valve (“mitral regurgitation”), since part of the valve is not in the correct location to do its job. In Waffle’s case, the obstructive component of his condition is mild. While it contributes to and may even completely account for his heart murmur, it does not require medical therapy.

Fortunately, Waffle does not have any left atrial enlargement at this time. Therefore, the likelihood that he will develop congestive heart failure appears low for the immediate future. Similarly, he does not appear to be at risk for or a thromboembolic event at this time. We hope this will remain the case but we plan to monitor Waffle’s heart closely to ensure the best quality of life!

Sweater game strong! 🧣Do dogs need sweaters? Great question!! As the weather outside starts to get cold, it’s importan...
12/12/2024

Sweater game strong! 🧣

Do dogs need sweaters? Great question!!

As the weather outside starts to get cold, it’s important to ensure that your dog is warm and comfortable. While some breeds of dogs naturally have a dense fur coat that keeps them warm in cold weather, that isn’t the case for all dogs. 

Dogs that most frequently struggle in colder temperatures are small dogs, especially toy breeds, and dogs without thick fur. Lean dogs with short fur, such as Azawakhs, Whippet, and Greyhounds, also frequently benefit from sweaters during cold weather since they don’t have a lot of fur or body fat to insulate them. Hairless breeds, including the Xoloitzcuintli, American Hairless Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid, and Chinese Crested Dog, may need sweaters during cool and cold weather as they can become cold quickly. Other dogs who benefit from sweaters include dogs whose fur has been shaved, young puppies, and senior dogs.

When selecting sweaters for your dog it’s important to ensure you pick the right size and fit. A properly fitting dog sweater will fit your dog without being too big or too tight. A baggy sweater can result in your dog getting caught or tangled in the sweater. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also be scary or cause your dog to trip and get injured. On the other hand, a sweater that is too tight can restrict movement, which is uncomfortable and can also lead to injuries. A properly fitted sweater should allow your dog to move normally and not restrict their movement while they walk, run, or play.

Avoid leaving your dog unattended while they’re wearing a sweater. Dogs who are unsupervised can become entangled in their sweaters, which could also lead to injuries. Even dogs who are comfortable and like wearing sweaters can accidentally become tangled. If you’re going to leave your dog unattended at home or in a crate, it’s best to remove the sweater first.

Stay warm everyone!! ❄

Happy International Day of Veterinary Medicine! đŸ©șCome join us in recognizing and appreciating the vital work done by vet...
12/09/2024

Happy International Day of Veterinary Medicine! đŸ©ș

Come join us in recognizing and appreciating the vital work done by veterinarians worldwide!

This day shines a light on the important role veterinarians play not only in animal health but also in human health and welfare.

Veterinarians do more than just take care of our pets; they’re involved in groundbreaking medical research that benefits both animals and humans, work tirelessly to improve animal welfare, and are key players in managing public health concerns.

Their expertise spans a wide range of areas, from cardiology, critical care, shelter medicine and parasitology to complex fields like epidemiology and zoonotic diseases. This day encourages us to show gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

Celebrating this day can involve anything from thanking your local vet with a note or card to learning and sharing information about the latest advancements in veterinary science.It’s a moment to acknowledge that healthy animals lead to healthier communities and that the well-being of animals and humans is deeply interconnected.

A BIG shout out to our CVCA cardiologists! All of you make this world a better place, we couldn't do it without you. 👏🐕🐈

HAPPY SHELTER PETS DAY (which is on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving)! How to Celebrate:Â đŸ¶ Support a shelter -Shelt...
12/05/2024

HAPPY SHELTER PETS DAY (which is on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving)! 

How to Celebrate: 

đŸ¶ Support a shelter 
-Shelters often rely on donations to feed and care for their pets, and sometimes they run on a tight budget. Money, though, is not the only way to show support. You can donate supplies such as food, litter, or toys.

đŸ˜ș Adopt a pet from a shelter 
-A good way to celebrate is to adopt a pet from a shelter. Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment that requires planning. Once you have made plans and are ready to make that pet a part of your family, don’t hesitate to go for it! 

đŸ¶ Spoil your pet 
-If you already have a pet that you adopted from a shelter then, today would be a good day to spoil them with treats, do their favorite activity, or anything you think would brighten up their day!

Falling leaves and floppy ears, that's our kind of autumn.🍂
11/11/2024

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

Hey! Hey you! Ya YOU! Are you checking respiration rates ❓❓It's always good to know how to monitor your pet’s sleeping r...
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! đŸ˜žđŸ¶

Happy Halloween from CVCA and some of our amazing patients! 🎃
10/31/2024

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

Life is Golden. 💛This handsome 10-year-old is Mowgli!  Mowgli's first visit with CVCA was in January 2024. He returned t...
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!! 🐕

Happy Vet Tech Appreciation Week!! Please join us in thanking the amazing Veterinary Nurses and Assistants who make CVCA...
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! â€đŸ„ł

The spookiest night of the year will be here before we know it! đŸ‘» As you make your plans, here are some pet-safety tips ...
10/11/2024

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

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 impro...
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! đŸ–€đŸ€

Your life changes forever when you're chosen to be loved by a westie.Â đŸ€Oliver's echocardiogram revealed a diagnosis of p...
10/03/2024

Your life changes forever when you're chosen to be loved by a westie.Â đŸ€

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.

Did you know roughly 6.5 million animals enter animal shelters each year, according to ASPCA? If you’re looking to welco...
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!

National Walk Your Dog Week is observed between October 1 to 7! đŸŸIs your pooch a fan of getting outdoors and taking a wa...
10/01/2024

National Walk Your Dog Week is observed between October 1 to 7! đŸŸ

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!! 🍃

Love is a wet nose and a happy tail! ❀
09/25/2024

Love is a wet nose and a happy tail! ❀

This adorable 3 month old is Archie! 😍Following adoption, he was seen at VCA North Portland Veterinary Hospital for a we...
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 (đŸ™‹â€â™€ïž) 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!! ❀❀

Excuse me, I need moar food!Â đŸ±
09/19/2024

Excuse me, I need moar food!Â đŸ±

Life is better with a Dane! đŸŸThis handsome boy is Douglas! He came to CVCA to screen for dilated cardiomyopathy due to b...
09/12/2024

Life is better with a Dane! đŸŸ

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!Â đŸ„ł

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