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CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

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Henrico, VA
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! 👋

09/12/2022

Say hello to Gordo and Nina! Dr. Westphal had the pleasure of seeing this cute pair for recheck echocardiograms. Day says Gordo (bottom) likes to pose for pictures. Can you tell? 😄 And Nina (top) likes to do a handstand to urinate 😂. Dad says this is her way of copying after her late older brother. Both babies were a little nervous, but did so well for their appointment!

Gordo and Nina were originally referred to us by Old Bridge Veterinary Hospital and have been CVCA patients for a little over a year. Gordo and Nina are the sweetest little babies and we certainly enjoy seeing them when they visit!

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q01l-7q10!

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

07/22/2022

We received this wonderful tribute to one of our patients, Skylar, who recently passed from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the most common heart problem in cats. This is a genetic-based disease that causes the heart muscle to become too thick. When caught early, this disease can be treated to improve the quality and duration of life in affected cats. Sadly, Maine C***s with HCM, on average, live up to 4-5 years (Tilley & Goodwin (2003), UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory).

Skylar's family was diligent with his care and had Skylar checked early, very soon after his birth. Thanks to co-managed care between CVCA and Dr. Deborah Inge of Ashland Veterinary Hospital, Inc., Skylar lived to be almost seven and a half! We will miss this beautiful boy (one of our Calendar Contest winners from 2020), but we are thankful we can share his story and promote cardiac checkups for at-risk breeds, such as Maine C***s.

CVCA Richmond is located in BluePearl Veterinary Partners.

04/06/2022

This is Ryan! Ryan was referred to us by Banfield Pet Hospital and has been a patient with us for over a year.

Dr. Jess Weidman, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) had the pleasure of seeing Ryan again recently to check up on his degenerative valve disease. You can see him here hanging out with Dr. Weidman (pictured right) and assistant Chelsea (pictured left). Ryan is such a sweet boy and it's always such a pleasure to see him for his appointments.

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q0179kXM0!

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

03/31/2022

3/31/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Richmond is closed indefinitely today due to a tornado warning. 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.

03/16/2022

This is Buddy! Buddy was referred by Springfield Veterinary Center to get his heart murmur evaluated prior to a future dental procedure.

Buddy was a little nervous, but Dr. Ryan Peiffer, DVM, MS, Resident in Cardiology (pictured right) and Veterinary Assistant Taryn (pictured left) were very gentle and gave him lots of love and affection during the appointment. After the exam and echocardiogram, we found that Buddy has Degenerative Valve Disease and mild Pulmonary Hypertension.

Degenerative Valve Disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs and usually affects the mitral valve. It is caused by abnormalities that develop along the edges of the heart valves and is a slowly progressive condition. Pulmonary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure within the vessels of the lungs.

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

FACT: If a heart murmur is heard by your veterinarian, it is safest to have it evaluated prior to any procedure that requires anesthesia. Discuss this with your veterinarian to see if cardiology is the next best step for your pet!

To learn more about CVCA and Degenerative Valve Disease visit:
https://hubs.li/Q014TyG20

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

03/09/2022

This is Valkyrie! She was referred by Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic and recently visited us for a heart murmur evaluation!

After seeing Emily Westphal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Valkyrie has 𝘿𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙚 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 and an 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙝𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙢𝙞𝙖.

Degenerative Valve Disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs and usually affects the mitral valve. It is caused by abnormalities that develop along the edges of the heart valves and is a progressive condition. An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the electrical signals in the heart become unorganized.

Dr. Westphal further evaluated the arrhythmia by doing an electrocardiogram or ECG, also called EKG. (Fun fact: It is a common misconception that an ECG and EKG are different things, but they both stand for electrocardiogram!) By doing the ECG, Dr. Westphal was able to determine the type of arrhythmia Valkyrie was having, which was a 𝙑𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝘼𝙧𝙧𝙝𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙢𝙞𝙖, or irregular heartbeats, coming from the bottom part of the heart.

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

To learn more about CVCA, Degenerative Valve Disease, and arrhythmias, visit https://hubs.li/Q014Ttdz0 .

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

03/02/2022

This is Lucy Lou! Dr. Emily Westphal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) had the pleasure of seeing Lucy Lou again recently to check up on her heart! You can see her here hanging out in our exam room during her appointment. She is such a happy, sweet girl!

Ms. Lucy Lou is a Maltese mix who is quite the stylish little dresser, as you can see. She was originally a Florida dog, but her mom says she absolutely loves the snow! So much so that she'll stay out in the snow until icicles form on her fur! ❄️😃

Lucy Lou was referred to us by Hanover Green Veterinary Clinic and has been a patient with us for almost 3 years. We definitely enjoy seeing Ms. Lucy Lou during her visits!

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q013WRw70!

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

02/27/2022

This is Mickey! Mickey's mom says he loves being around people and especially loves parties!

Dr. Emily Westphal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) recently had the pleasure of seeing Mickey to check on his Degenerative Valve Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Mickey was referred to us by Hanover Green Veterinary Clinic and has been a patient with us for 8 months. Mickey is such a happy boy and we certainly enjoy seeing him!

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q014TsJw0!

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

02/24/2022

It's American Heart Month! It is our goal during American Heart Month to spread awareness of veterinary heart health. One of the things we've done to accomplish this is to have a Wear Red Day contest among CVCA offices. Offices who want to participate all wear red and take a team picture. Your Richmond office would love your support! Please visit https://hubs.li/Q014Ts_70 to vote!

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

02/23/2022

This is Jethro! He recently visited us to monitor his Dilated Cardiomyopathy, previously diagnosed by a cardiologist in California.

After seeing Ryan Peiffer, DVM, MS, Resident in Cardiology for an exam and echocardiogram, we found Jethro's Dilated Cardiomyopathy to be stable.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart muscle disease that causes loss of heart muscle strength, enlargement of the heart, and a decreased ability to pump blood through the body (heart failure). DCM affects any age dog, but occurrence increases with age.

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

To learn more about CVCA and DCM, visit https://hubs.li/Q013WRw30

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

02/20/2022

This is Boomer! He was referred by Goochland Animal Clinic and recently visited us to monitor his Degenerative Valve Disease.

After seeing Jess Weidman, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) (pictured right) and Veterinary Assistant Chelsea (pictured left) for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Boomer is doing great!

Boomer's type of Degenerative Valve Disease is moderate mitral valve regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation is a common cause of a heart murmur in dogs. Blood flow becomes turbulent and creates the murmur. Murmurs are graded on a scale of 1-6. The higher the number, the more obvious the murmur. Your dog can lead a normal life with a heart murmur. A board-certified dog cardiologist can diagnose and help treat the condition.

Boomer has been seeing us for 6 months 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 Degenerative Valve Disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q013WVXV0.

CVCA Austin Shoal Creek is located inside VCA Capital Area Veterinary Specialists.

02/16/2022

This is Chester! Chester's Mom says he is a sweet, cuddly, couch potato! He was referred by Winterfield Veterinary Hospital and recently visited to get his heart murmur get checked out.

After seeing Emily Westphal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Veterinary Assistant Courtney (pictured) for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Chester has Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

By far, the single most common heart problem that affects cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. This is a genetic disease that causes the heart muscle to become too thick. When caught early, this disease can be treated to improve the quality and duration of life in affected cats.

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

To learn more about CVCA and HCM, visit https://hubs.li/Q013WRNV0

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

02/13/2022

This is Alice! Alice is such a sweet, happy girl. Fun fact about Alice: her Mom says she loves to swim, even though she doesn't know how!

We originally saw Alice 7 months ago as a consultation through the emergency service. During the echocardiogram, it was discovered that she had a small, heart-based mass. Alice recently visited us for a recheck, to monitor the size and condition of the mass and to check overall heat function.

After seeing Dr. Jess Weidman, DVM, DACVIM and Veterinary Assistant Kendra (pictured) for the recheck exam and echocardiogram, we found that Alice is doing well. The size of Alice's heart-based mass has not changed and thankfully is not impeding heart function.

The most common tumors occurring at the heart-base are chemodectomas, although other types of tumors are possible. Heart base tumors tend to be slow growing, but it is always best to have regularly scheduled rechecks as recommended. This helps to make sure we are efficiently monitoring the mass' growth and giving the patient the best quality of life possible.

To learn more about CVCA and other heart related conditions for dogs and cats, please visit https://hubs.li/Q013WNVq0.

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

01/17/2022

1/17/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Richmond will have a delayed open at 9:30 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.

01/07/2022

1/7/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Richmond will have a delayed open 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.

01/05/2022

1/5/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Richmond 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.

01/04/2022

1/4/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Richmond will be opening at 9:30 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.

01/03/2022

1/3/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Richmond 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

It's Brody! He was referred to us by Dr. Angela Kargus of Rutland Animal Hospital and last saw Emily Westphal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology).

His family said, "Brody is the sweetest little old man. His favorite treat is raw broccoli and carrots! He loves taking long naps at home and hanging out on the couch being the proper little old man that he is." 😍

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/Q010ZhjY0.

CVCA Richmond is located inside of BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

12/15/2021

Hey Stryker! He was referred to us by Dr. Lindsey Hacker of Brandt Veterinary Services and last saw Ryan Peiffer, DVM, Resident in Cardiology.

His family said, "Stryker's main job is to keep his humans in line and make sure that meals are served promptly. His favorite activity is to patrol the yard thoroughly each day to make sure every blade of grass and every leaf is exactly where he left it." 🌱

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/Q010FVd80.

CVCA Richmond is located inside of BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

12/08/2021

Meet Bridget! She was referred to us by Dr. Chelsea Mason of Fan Veterinary Clinic and last saw Emily Westphal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology).

Her family said, "Bridget loves to ride. Anything with wheels is just fine!" 🛴

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/Q010gqmt0.

CVCA Richmond is located inside of BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

10/26/2021

Hey A-Rae! He was referred to us by Dr. Jason Wheeler of Virginia Veterinary Specialists and last saw Emily Westphal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology).

A-Rae is an adorable giant, held here by team member Taryn!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0ZW-1v0.

CVCA Richmond is located inside of BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

Address

1616 Three Chopt Road
Henrico, VA
23233

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18044978940

Website

https://cvcavets.com/

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Videos

We received this wonderful tribute to one of our patients, Skylar, who recently passed from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the most common heart problem in cats. This is a genetic-based disease that causes the heart muscle to become too thick. When caught

We received this wonderful tribute to one of our patients, Skylar, who recently passed from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the most common heart problem in cats. This is a genetic-based disease that causes the heart muscle to become too thick. When caught early, this disease can be treated to improve the quality and duration of life in affected cats. Sadly, Maine Coons with HCM, on average, live up to 4-5 years (Tilley & Goodwin (2003), UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory). Skylar's family was diligent with his care and had Skylar checked early, very soon after his birth. Thanks to co-managed care between CVCA and Dr. Deborah Inge of Ashland Veterinary Hospital, Inc., Skylar lived to be almost seven and a half! We will miss this beautiful boy (one of our Calendar Contest winners from 2020), but we are thankful we can share his story and promote cardiac checkups for at-risk breeds, such as Maine Coons. CVCA Richmond is located in BluePearl Veterinary Partners.