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CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

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Springfield, VA
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

CVCA is the leading choice for veterinary cardiology. Entrust your pet's care to a board-certified cardiologist!

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.

09/10/2025

Happy Wednesday from ZOE! 😍

Zoe's recheck echocardiogram revealed that she has a very mild form of a congenital heart condition called subaortic stenosis. This refers to a narrowing (stenosis) in the region of the heart just below the aortic valve, where blood leaves the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) to enter the aorta. The narrowing results in an obstruction to forward blood flow that, in severe cases, requires the left ventricle to become stronger and thicker in order to send blood into the aorta. Abnormally fast and turbulent blood flow downstream of the obstruction can disrupt the normal function of the nearby aortic valve, resulting in backward flow across this valve (called aortic regurgitation). Fortunately for Zoe, the degree of her subaortic stenosis is extremely mild. In addition, because she has reached full adulthood, the severity of her condition is not expected to increase in the future. YAY! 🥳

Regarding the mild thickening of her mitral valve and very small amount of backward flow across it, this has proven to be remarkably stable over time. Although some degree of heart chamber enlargement was noted during one evaluation in September of 2018 (leading to the use of pimobendan), this now appears to have been an anomalous time point. Following previous normalization of heart chamber size and then discontinuation of the pimobendan last September, Zoe continues to be free of any apparent heart chamber enlargement!!! Best news EVER!! 👏🏽

As much as we will miss Zoe's visits, we do not have a plan for further cardiology appointments for Zoe. We love you Zoe! ♥️

08/12/2025

Feeling "Lucky?" 🍀

Lucky was originally diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was started on cardiac medications. Thankfully, his diuretic was able to be discontinued and he remained stable with normal atrial size and the absence of diuresis, which is excellent news!! 🙌🏽

His most recent visit with Dr. Rausch DVM, DACVIM, suggests that his original diagnosis of congestive heart failure may have been associated with a sudden tear of one of the tendons within his heart that attaches to his mitral valve. Such cases can lead to congestive heart failure and this heart failure can cause serious trouble. However, there are some dogs who are fortunate enough to respond well to medications and over time have their heart become more adept at handling this change in mitral insufficiency.

We feel confident that Lucky is one of those lucky dogs!! 🥳

07/31/2025

Happy National Mutt Day!

National Mutt Day, also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day, is a day to celebrate mixed-breed dogs and raise awareness about the high number of them waiting for adoption in shelters nationwide. National Mutt Day aims to promote the acceptance and rescue of mixed-breed dogs, which make up 80 percent of shelter dogs. Although purebred dogs in shelters are typically adopted quickly, mixed-breed dogs often face the stigma of being less desirable, leading to longer stays in shelters. Their unique qualities are frequently overlooked, as many people are unaware of the *positive* traits that a mix of dog breeds can offer.

strongly believes that all dogs deserve a loving home and we hope you will consider a mutt as your next pet when visiting a shelter!

07/21/2025

Is your pet dehydrated?? 💧👀

07/03/2025

Heads up, pet parents! We will be closed on Friday, July 4 for Independence Day.
Any questions for us or want to book an appointment before the holiday? Book online or give us a call!

06/20/2025

Today marks the first day of summer! 😎 How are you and your furry friends spending the first official day of the season of sunshine? ☀️

06/16/2025

Making sure your pets get the nutrition and care they need is important to us. That’s why you can get their food and meds delivered right to your door.

From your local vet team, to your doorstep. To shop our online pharmacy, visit our website!📱

05/29/2025

Why leave the house when you can get your pet's food and meds delivered right to your doorstep? 🤷‍♂️📦Visit our website to shop our online pharmacy!

04/11/2025

Happy National Pet Day! Drop a pic of your pet in the comments so we can all appreciate their cuteness. 😍👇💗

04/09/2025

Let’s be real—you were going to online shop anyway. 😏 Why not grab your pet’s food and meds online too while you’re at it? Shop our online pharmacy at https://cvcavets.com

09/12/2022

Meet Max. This adorable, photogenic Boston Terrier certainly knows how to pose for the camera and could give Bella Hadid a run for her money! 📸

He was initially seen by CVCA a year ago and diagnosed with moderate to borderline severe degenerative valve disease, which is the most common type of heart disease found in dogs and is most prevalent in the smaller breeds. As these dogs age, the valves of the heart become thickened and do not close as well as they should, which leads to backflow (leakage) of the valves and increased work for the heart.

With time, the heart can become progressively enlarged and eventually congestive heart failure can develop, which can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, exercise intolerance, breathing difficulties, coughing, and fainting. Fortunately for Max, he was not showing any symptoms of his heart disease at the time of his initial evaluation a year ago. Due to the severity of his disease and increased risk for symptoms, however, he was started on therapy to help improve heart function and delay problems.

It has been 1 year since his initial echo and we are delighted that his heart size and function have remained stable and he remains symptom free. Hopefully Max will continue to enjoy his model life and we will get to see him in many more adorable photos in the years to come.

To learn more about CVCA and Chronic Degenerative Valvular Disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-b8j0

CVCA Springfield is located inside Regional Veterinary Referral Center.

04/27/2022

The "Force" was most recently with us at Springfield!

Clarice is a most beautiful 2 year old Sphynx, with whom we all have become smitten! Unfortunately, this awesome kitty was born with a hole in her heart referred to as Ventricular septal defect (VSD). Several CVCA cardiologists within the Northern Virginia area have been monitoring her condition over the past 2 years and are pleased that she is currently at low risk for clinical signs of heart disease!

Other than the obvious, sheer cuteness factor, her mom reports: "Clarice is our household parkour champion and is a fan of “Uber Eats” aka when her food is delivered to her while she is lounging on the couch. She could be Yoda’s stunt double. She makes our household feel good about our wrinkles!"

Thanks, Mom, for allowing us to share Clarice's story. She has a way of putting a smile on everyone's face!

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q018Zvvb0!

CVCA Springfield is located inside Regional Veterinary Referral Center.

03/23/2022

This is Dash! He was referred by VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a mild heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Jennifer Sidley, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Dash has mild subaortic stenosis (SAS).

Dash has mildly elevated left ventricular outflow velocities, likely a mild form of subaortic stenosis (SAS). SAS is a common congenital heart defect in Golden Retrievers,
which constitutes a narrowing of the area underneath the aortic valve that causes some degree of obstruction or blockage of the blood flow through the heart. The narrowing can be mild, moderate, or severe. In mild subaortic stenosis no signs are observed. Since Dash's degree of SAS is mild, it is hoped that this is just an incidental finding that will remain stable. Treatment is not required at this time, but we plan to recheck in 1 year to see if any change occurs.

To learn more about CVCA and SAS, visit https://hubs.li/Q016pjGp0

CVCA Springfield is located inside Regional Veterinary Referral Center.

03/16/2022

This is Zuni, a dignified, high energy, 7.5-year-old boxer that was adopted by a family friend a few months ago. Having had boxers in the past, Zuni’s new parent wanted to ensure that his heart was healthy. He was referred by Companion Animal Clinic and recently visited us for a heart murmur.

After seeing Bonnie Lefbom, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), we discovered an innocent heart murmur (slightly fast blood flow leaving the left side of the heart). This finding is not expected to progress or cause clinical signs. The heart size and function are normal and the ECG showed a normal heart rhythm. All of us were thrilled!

Zuni does not require any medications at this time. However, we do recommend a follow-up visit in 1 year to continue to screen for Zuni for ARVC (Boxer cardiomyopathy).
To learn more about CVCA and ARVC visit

https://hubs.li/Q014TvXY0

CVCA Springfield is located inside Regional Veterinary Referral Center.

03/09/2022

Winston, an extremely handsome 1.5-year-old British Shorthair cat, is the love of his mom’s life...and we can totally see why! He is as sweet and affectionate as he is handsome. Winston was referred to us by Dr. Quigley of PAWS-Potomac Animal Wellness Services to evaluate a soft, intermittent heart murmur that was noted during Winston’s first kitten exam in November 2020.

After seeing Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology for an exam and echocardiogram, we were saddened to find that Winston has a congenital cardiac defect- a large atrial septal defect (ASD).

An ASD occurs because of abnormal development of the structure that separates the left and right atria (called the interatrial septum), during fetal development. With a large-sized defect, there is significant left to right shunting of blood, resulting in volume overload and cardiac enlargement. The shunting also increases pulmonary blood flow and, over time, can result in pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). The long-term prognosis for Winston is unknown at this time, although we do worry about onset of pulmonary hypertension or development of right-sided congestive heart failure at a young age given the large size of the defect.

We will continue to monitor Winston closely and adjust therapy as indicated based on follow-up echocardiography, at-home monitoring for clinical signs, and with the help of PAWS-Potomac Animal Wellness Services with periodic exams and labs. We are hopeful that Winston will do well with treatment, and that we can maintain his good quality of life!

CVCA Springfield is located inside Regional Veterinary Referral Center.

03/02/2022

Please meet Riley! He is an awesome, gentle, almost 8-year-old Great Dane, that was referred by VCA Woodbridge Animal Hospital for an evaluation of a heart murmur which was becoming progressively louder in intensity.

After seeing Stephanie Savino, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology for an exam and echocardiogram, it was determined that Riley has moderate dilated cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscle disease).

Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary disease of cardiac muscle that results in a decreased ability of the heart to generate pressure to pump blood through the vascular system. Great Danes are one of the breeds that are predisposed to DCM due to an inheritable, genetic component to this disease. However, nutritional, infectious, and predisposition factors have also been implicated for some patients with this condition.

We have recommended a treatment plan for Riley and will work with his parents and primary care veterinarian to keep Riley happy and healthy.

To learn more about CVCA and Dilated Cardiomyopathy visit
https://hubs.li/Q014Trw80

CVCA Springfield is located inside Regional Veterinary Referral Center.

02/10/2022

This is Gus! He was referred by Burke Forest Veterinary Clinic and recently visited us to get checked out for a heart murmur!

After seeing Jennifer Sidley, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Ashley for an exam, we found that Gus has very mild degenerative valvular disease with normal internal dimensions and maintained contractility.

The mitral valve separates the left ventricle from the left atrium. Normally this valve closes when the heart contracts. This closure of the valves prevents blood from going back into the atrium and allows it to proceed normally to the body. When the valve leaks, the blood goes backwards into the left atrium. The flow of blood going the wrong way is called "regurgitation." Therefore, this disease often is called mitral regurgitation. This very common disease affects dogs usually after the age of 8 years. Small breed dogs, like Dachshunds, are one of the breeds most commonly affected.

Since Gus' heart remains normal in size and function, he is at low risk for complications from cardiac disease at this time and no medications are indicated. Over time, the degree of mitral valve regurgitation may worsen and we will plan to recheck in 1 year to see if there is any change. We hope Gus continues to do well, as he is an example of sheer cuteness!

To learn more about CVCA and degenerative valvular disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q013WNPs0

CVCA Springfield is located inside Regional Veterinary Referral Center.

01/17/2022

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

01/05/2022

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

Address

6651 Backlick Road F
Springfield, VA
22150

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+17034514868

Website

https://www.cvcavets.com/locations/springfield/

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