What are the opening hours?

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

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

Home
United States
Springfield, VA
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets is dedicated to collaborating with your veterinarian to deliver compassionate, expert cardiac care.
(7)

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

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.

01/04/2022

1/4/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Springfield 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.

01/03/2022

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

11/16/2021

Hello Joey! He was referred to us by Dr. Lauren Ainsworth of Hayfield Animal Hospital and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Bonnie Lefbom, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Joey, an adorable terrier mix, has been seeing us since 2017! We'll see him again early next year for another checkup! ❤️🐶

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0_jBSW0.

11/11/2021

Hey Ritchie! He was referred to us by Old Bridge Veterinary Hospital and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Bonnie Lefbom, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Ritchie is a cute little mixed boy; he's 6.5 years old and visited us for the first time this year! ❤️

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0-K5dt0.

11/07/2021

It's Jack! He was referred to us by Dr. Jim Hart of Ferry Farm Animal Clinic and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Jennifer Sidley, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Jack's family said, "Jack loves his litter brother, Blaze, and his nephew Finn who all live in our home. Jack appreciates the love and care he receives from CVCA for his heart murmur. Jack's favorite thing to do is walk with his humans, chew on a bone and eat. Jack LOVES to eat!!!!" 😋

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0-K0C30.

10/20/2021

Meet CC! She was referred to us by Pender Veterinary Centre and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Jennifer Sidley, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

CC loves car rides, as seen in this photo! 🚗

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0Zvmkc0.

10/14/2021

Hello Simone! She was referred to us by Dr. Kristin Terrio of VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Jennifer Sidley, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Simone is a playful border collie who always has a smile on her face! 🐶

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0Y9jH30.

10/07/2021

Hey Natty! He was referred to us by Hometown Veterinary Clinic and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Jennifer Sidley, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Natty loves to relax in the sun! ☀️🏠

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0Y9k_30.

09/30/2021

It's Gypsy! She was referred to us by Dr. Rebecca Austin of Hartwood Animal Hospital and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Jennifer Sidley, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Gypsy is a very sweet girl who is a pleasure to see in our office! She's quite the snow lover, too! ❄️

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0Y9nx60.

09/22/2021

We're Spooked! Spooky was referred to us by Dr. Doree Katz of Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Bonnie Lefbom, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

Despite his name, Spooky isn't spooky at all - he's a precious boy! 🐱💓

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0XFzw70.

09/18/2021

Hey Ritchie! He was referred to us by Old Bridge Veterinary Hospital and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Bonnie Lefbom, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

He's a six-year old sweetheart that we saw for the first time this year! He was a paw-fect patient for us. 🐶❤️

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0XbKRc0.

09/12/2021

This is Champ! He was referred to us by VCA Woodbridge Animal Hospital and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Jennifer Sidley, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

If there were a picture in the dictionary under the word 'happy', this would be the photo! 🐶😀

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0WLdVc0.

09/08/2021

Meet Chase! He was referred to us by Hayfield Animal Hospital and last saw CVCA board-certified cardiologist Jennifer Sidley, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology).

This little Lhasa Apso has a gorgeous, soft coat - he's a beautiful dog!

CVCA Springfield is located inside the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, please visit https://hubs.li/H0WLcHm0.

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://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.