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CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

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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!

05/05/2024

Happy Cinco De Mayo! If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate with your furry friends, try making them this simple, but refreshing Bark-arita! 😋

04/30/2024

Did you know that over 6 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide every year according to the ASPCA? This National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, consider adopting a furry friend in need or donating to your local animal shelter. ❤️

Did you rescue your furry friend from a shelter? Share a picture of them in the comments below!

04/27/2024

It’s World Veterinary Day! To our AMAZING teammates – thank you for all you do for our clients! To our clients, we are honored to be your care partner for your beloved pets. 💗

04/05/2024

This handsome guy doesn't need "Moe" medications!

CVCA is happy to report that Moe’s heart disease has progressed very little over the past year and a half, with findings being fairly similar to those we observed in September of 2022. While myxomatous valve disease is a progressive condition, it can sometimes proceed at a slow enough rate that little or no discernible change occurs from one echocardiogram to the next. This is the case for Moe compared to his last exam, which is fantastic news! 🎊

We are also happy to report that based on Moe’s recent chest x-rays, there is no evidence of congestive heart failure thus far. As a result, we do not need to add any additional medications (currently on Pimobendan) at this time. Yayyyy, we're so excited for you Moe!! 🍉

04/01/2024

Happy April Fool’s Day! Ready for a joke?

What is a rabbit’s favorite place to eat for breakfast? …IHOP 🤭

It may be a day for pranks, jokes, and laughs, but when it comes to your pet’s care, there’s no fooling around! Call us today to book your fur baby’s appointment with us!

03/31/2024

Hoppy Easter from CVCA!! 🐰🌼

03/23/2024

On National Puppy Day, we appreciate the joy that puppies bring into our lives.
If you’re looking to add a fluffy friend to the family, visit your local animal shelter to fall in love with a pup who is looking for a home. ❤

03/13/2024

On K9 Veteran’s Day, we commemorate all of the four-legged Veterans out there. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

02/27/2024

This love bug is Myrtle!

A respiratory sinus arrhythmia was noted during Myrtle's physical exam and throughout her echocardiogram. Despite the word “arrhythmia” in the name, this refers to a normal type of cardiac rhythm irregularity, which is related to the different phases of respiration (heart rate increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation). This is something that we see commonly in dogs and is not a reason for concern. Based on this, no further diagnostic testing was considered necessary. Get it girl! 🎊

02/21/2024

Sir Meowington is ready for his photoshoot (echocardiogram)! 📸

02/20/2024

Happy International LOVE YOUR PET DAY!!! ❤❤❤

02/20/2024

It’s National Love Your Pet Day! Just an excuse to snuggle your furry friend or critter a little extra today. 🤗 What do you love most about your pet?

02/16/2024

Missy is ready to schedule your next Cardiology appointment!! 🤓❤

02/14/2024

9 Reasons why pets make the Purrrfect date on Valentine's Day! 🌹

❤ Pets think you are pawfect the way you are. No matter how the rest of the world sees you, in your pet’s eyes you are the coolest and most beautiful person ever.

❤ Pets don’t care about expensive gifts, flowers or chocolates. The only gift they want is your time. And pats. And walks. And cheese.

❤ Pets are drama-free. They wear their hearts on their furry sleeve and express their feelings openly and honestly.

❤ Pets are always happy to see you.
Whether you are gone a month or five minutes, a dog will be there waiting, tail wagging, going bonkers when you return. A cat will be nuzzling you and purring.

❤ Pets always let you pick the movie.
Pets don’t have opposable thumbs to use the remote anyway.

❤ Pets never judge. Even on those days (like Valentine’s Day) when you stay in your pajamas all day, watch 27 dresses, and eat ice cream.

❤ Pets love to cuddle. ‘Nuff said.

❤ Pets can’t eat chocolate, so there’s no need to share. The choccies are all yours!

❤ Pets love unconditionally. Once you have their heart – you have it forever.

Pets make the perfect companion for holidays and every day in between. So grab some heart-shaped pet furrrr-iendly treats and some choccies for yourself and celebrate Valentine’s Day with your furry best mate.

Ezio (as seen below) and CVCA wish you a happy love day! 🥰

02/14/2024

Let the Voting Begin!
"Like" your favorite CVCA Wear Red photo!

02/08/2024

Phyllis has the case of DRVOTO! 🐱

This beauty was referred to us by Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital due to a heart murmur. After seeing Dr. Gregg Rapoport, DVM, DACVIM, we were happy to report that Phyllis's echocardiogram revealed only a benign explanation for her heart murmur, namely a phenomenon known as dynamic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (DRVOTO).

As a solo finding without any other echocardiographic abnormalities (as is the case for Phyllis), this is a harmless entity that is common in cats. While it includes blood flow turbulence that results in an audible heart murmur as was previously noted for Phyllis, it does not cause enlargement of the heart, lead to congestive heart failure, or cause any symptoms. This is great news for Phyllis since we have an explanation for the murmur that was noted, yet it does not constitute a disease or a reason for concern. Whoo hooo! 🎉

02/06/2024

This sweet Valentine is Sophie! 🎀

Sophie initially saw CVCA as a consultation from BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital and was diagnosed with left-sided congestive heart failure. After several re-evaluations and close monitoring, her congestive heart failure has remained well compensated. 🥳 She continues to be a happy girl at home with sleeping respiratory rates (SRR) being 16-24 breaths per minute (bpm).

➡️ How to check SRR's: Rates 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 Veterinarian or Cardiologist to discuss whether a medication change might be necessary. If you like, you can also 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! 🐶🐱

01/31/2024

This sweet boy is Chewy. ❤

He was referred to us by the Portland Veterinary Wellness Center due to an abnormal NT-proBNP.

Huh⁉️ An NT-proBNP is a simple blood test that works by detecting a protein that is released in response to cardiac stretch or stress.

Gregg Rapoport, DVM, DACVIM performed an echocardiogram on Chewy which revealed no abnormalities, which is fantastic news! 😍

Regarding the elevated NT-proBNP test result on Chewy’s bloodwork, this represented a false positive result, or an abnormal test result despite a normal echocardiogram (no heart disease). It is not uncommon for false positive results to occur, where a number above a laboratory reference range is reported despite the absence of true disease. This is particularly common for this test when the result is obtained from a cat without symptoms of heart disease (e.g., rapid or labored breathing). Now that an echocardiogram has been performed, Chewy's caretakers can rest easy that Chewy does not have any identifiable heart disease at this time. YAYYY!!! 🥳

01/25/2024

Who's ready for a walk? Sheldon is!! 💛

Sheldon presented to CVCA for an initial evaluation and was diagnosed with degenerative valve disease (ACVIM stage B2) with severe left atrial and severe left ventricular chamber enlargement.

Due to this stage of disease, Sheldon was started on a new cardiac medication called Pimobendan (Vetmedin).

What is Pimobendan ⁉️

Pimobendan is a medication that has two separate effects on the heart. One of these is an increase in cardiac contractility or the strength with which the heart pumps blood. It does this by allowing the heart to make more efficient use of calcium, which is central to the pumping activity of heart muscle. The second effect is relaxation of blood vessels. By allowing blood vessels to open more widely, it becomes easier for the heart to pump blood through them. Also, the additional space for fluid within the blood vessels may make it less likely for fluid to leak out of them and into the lungs or body cavities.

-Side-effects are uncommon, however occasionally gastrointestinal upset (most commonly diarrhea) can be seen when this medication is first started.

We will monitor Sheldon’s heart closely in hopes to keep him comfortable and symptomatic-free!

01/24/2024

It’s Change a Pet’s Life Day! Tell us how you and your pet have changed each other’s lives in the comments below. 🐕❤️🧍🏻

01/22/2024

Cats are inquisitive and sometimes unpredictable creatures! This National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day, spend some time with your cat – observe their body language and mannerisms to better understand what they might be trying to tell you!

If you’re looking for more answers, call us today to book an appointment for your feline friend. 🐱

01/19/2024

January is National Walk Your Pet Month! Along with the countless benefits that walking your pet brings, we know it’s their favorite time of the day, too! 🐕❤️

Regularly walking your dog helps them:
1. Maintain a healthy body weight
2. With mobility and joint health
3. Maintain good digestive and urinary health
4. Sleep better
5. Live a happier life!

01/15/2024

Happy International Dress Up Your Pet Day!!! 🐾

01/10/2024

Say cheeesssee!!! 😍

Koda Sue presented to CVCA for a re-evaluation of degenerative mitral valve disease (ACVIM stage B1) with Meghan Allen, DVM, DACVIM.

Stage B1 refers to dogs that have heart disease (characterized by a typical mitral regurgitation murmur) but do not have an enlarged heart on radiography/echocardiography or clinical signs of the disease.

Consequences of degenerative valve disease that can develop in the future include congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure within the blood vessels of the lungs), and rarely atrial tear.

Koda Sue’s recheck showed minimally progressive mitral regurgitation but with normal left heart size and function. Koda Sue has a stable, small leak of the aortic valve, an occasional finding in dogs with degenerative valve disease. Despite the mild progressive changes noted, Koda Sue’s heart appeared largely stable and her disease continues to be mild. This is great news! 🎊

We will continue to monitor Koda Sue’s heart closely to make sure she continues to be the happy pup that she is! 🤗

01/04/2024

This happy girl is Matilda! 🥰 She returned to CVCA for a re-evaluation of her Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), also known as Boxer Cardiomyopathy. We are monitoring her closely on her current antiarrhythmic medication.

What is ARVC ⁉️
In this condition, the muscle of one of the chambers of the heart (usually the right ventricle) is abnormal, leading to the development of serious tachyarrhythmias (abnormally fast heart rhythms). Most frequently, these arrhythmias arise from the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). Ventricular arrhythmias may be mild with single abnormal beats observed called ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) or much more severe called ventricular tachycardia which can lead to life-threatening symptoms.

ARVC is characterized by microscopic fatty or fibrotic replacement of the heart muscle cells usually within the right ventricle (pumping chamber), although the left ventricle can also be affected. ARVC in the Boxer breed is considered to be an adult-onset disease with a familial link. There are three broad classifications of the disease: (a) a concealed form with dogs not having any clinical signs of cardiac disease, but with occasional mild ventricular arrhythmias such as VPCs, (b) an overt form where there is evidence of clinical signs such as exercise intolerance and/or collapse with more severe arrhythmias, and (c) a less common form that is characterized by decreased contractility of the heart muscle and signs of congestive heart failure (excessive fluid buildup in the body) in addition to the aforementioned arrhythmias.

Prognosis can be variable for this disease, however, dogs that are asymptomatic and have a good response to antiarrhythmic medications tend to be fair to good, with many dogs remaining aclinical for most of their lives, and that is what we are striving for Matilda!

Big hugs to Matilda and her family!!! ❤

12/28/2023

Hey everyone, meet Stitch! 😍

We previously diagnosed Stitch with subvalvular pulmonic stenosis (PS).

What is PS❓ A congenital (present from birth) defect due to the abnormal development just below one of the heart's valves, called the pulmonic valve. The pulmonic valve separates the right side of the heart (specifically the right ventricle) from the large vessel of the lungs (main pulmonary artery) and is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood between these two structures. With subvalvular PS, there is a thickening of tissue just below the valve and this causes the opening out of the ventricle to be narrowed which obstructs the flow of blood into the lungs.

Consequently, the right ventricle is forced to pump harder to eject the same volume of blood through the narrowed or***ce. This leads to the thickening of the walls of the right ventricle (pressure hypertrophy) and can cause changes in the other structures of the right heart (the tricuspid valve and the right atrium). As blood rushes past the narrowed or***ce and strikes the walls of the pulmonary artery the blood flow is turbulent, this is heard externally as a heart murmur. This is often the very first and only sign that there is a congenital heart defect.

Side effects of PS could also include fatigue, fainting/collapse, or fluid build-up in the abdomen and chest secondary to right-sided heart failure.

Based on Stitch’s echocardiogram, the changes were mild and stable compared to his initial echocardiogram, which means there is a very small possibility that the narrowing may worsen over time, which is wonderful news! 🥳

We will continue to monitor Stitch closely to ensure he lives free of any side effects!

12/22/2023

Happy Holidays from CVCA! 🐾

11/01/2023

Dr. Lefbom, one of our Virginia cardiologists, had 8 tickets to the sold-out show featuring comedian Michelle Buteau at the Kennedy Center in DC. It was turned into a team outing for 3 of our local offices, who had a great time and loved the show!! Their cheeks were sore from laughing for so long!

From left to right: Bea, Acadia, Dr. Shen, Dr. Savino, Dr. Lefbom, Aimee, Hannah, and Veronica

09/13/2023

On this Positive Thinking Day, let's surround ourselves with PAW-sitive energy and spread it to those around us. Share your stories of how your pet brings joy to your life in the comments below!

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.

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/

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