Ask the experts

With Valentine’s Day this month, we all like to show a little extra love for the pets that are so close to our hearts. But heart disease can be a common complaint for our pets. We ask Veterinary Campaigns Advisor Katy Orton how to spot the signs and seek the right treatment.

What is heart disease and what are the common symptoms?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for many conditions that affect the ability of the heart to pump blood around the body. Unfortunately, it’s often a progressive condition and once a pet is showing symptoms of heart disease, this can lead to heart failure. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Common signs include coughing, difficulty breathing and tiring more quickly when on walks.

Are some pets more at risk of developing heart disease?

As our pets’ age, the health of the heart may deteriorate and heart disease can develop in some pets later in life. If there’s a genetic factor, heart disease can be present from birth and detected at any age. Every cat or dog may be affected at any time but some breeds are more susceptible to developing heart disease.

How do vets diagnose heart disease?

A stethoscope and thorough examination can reveal abnormal rhythms, pulses, heart murmurs and an abnormally fast or slow heart rate. If there’s any suspicion of heart disease, a blood test can be used to detect stretching of the heart muscle. ECGs will give a trace of the electrical activity of the heart and ultrasound scans give a picture of the physical workings to include how well it's contracting and if there are any structural abnormalities.

X-rays can be used to show the position and size of the heart and can help detect any damage to the lungs or fluid build-up. All of this information is used to identify the cause of the problem and the treatment needed. Based on the findings, the vet will decide on the best treatment regime for your pet.

What treatments are available for heart disease?

These breeds are growing in popularity and, according to the 2015 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, around 4.5 million pet owners do no research before getting a pet. This is a recipe for disaster for the future wellbeing of these pets.

There are many treatments available for heart disease in dogs and cats that can help to improve the function of the heart and stabilise any irregularities. Dogs and cats generally respond very well to veterinary prescribed medications and can live a normal, healthy life.

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Ask the experts

With Valentine’s Day this month, we all like to show a little extra love for the pets that are so close to our hearts. But heart disease can be a common complaint for our pets. We ask Veterinary Campaigns Advisor Katy Orton how to spot the signs and seek the right treatment.

​

What is heart disease and what are the common symptoms?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for many conditions that affect the ability of the heart to pump blood around the body. Unfortunately, it’s often a progressive condition and once a pet is showing symptoms of heart disease, this can lead to heart failure. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Common signs include coughing, difficulty breathing and tiring more quickly when on walks.

Are some pets more at risk of developing heart disease?

As our pets’ age, the health of the heart may deteriorate and heart disease can develop in some pets later in life. If there’s a genetic factor, heart disease can be present from birth and detected at any age. Every cat or dog may be affected at any time but some breeds are more susceptible to developing heart disease.

How do vets diagnose heart disease?

A stethoscope and thorough examination can reveal abnormal rhythms, pulses, heart murmurs and an abnormally fast or slow heart rate. If there’s any suspicion of heart disease, a blood test can be used to detect stretching of the heart muscle. ECGs will give a trace of the electrical activity of the heart and ultrasound scans give a picture of the physical workings to include how well it's contracting and if there are any structural abnormalities.

X-rays can be used to show the position and size of the heart and can help detect any damage to the lungs or fluid build-up. All of this information is used to identify the cause of the problem and the treatment needed. Based on the findings, the vet will decide on the best treatment regime for your pet.

What treatments are available for heart disease?

These breeds are growing in popularity and, according to the 2015 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, around 4.5 million pet owners do no research before getting a pet. This is a recipe for disaster for the future wellbeing of these pets.

There are many treatments available for heart disease in dogs and cats that can help to improve the function of the heart and stabilise any irregularities. Dogs and cats generally respond very well to veterinary prescribed medications and can live a normal, healthy life.

Ask the experts

With Valentine’s Day this month, we all like to show a little extra love for the pets that are so close to our hearts. But heart disease can be a common complaint for our pets. We ask Veterinary Campaigns Advisor Katy Orton how to spot the signs and seek the right treatment.

​

What is heart disease and what are the common symptoms?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for many conditions that affect the ability of the heart to pump blood around the body. Unfortunately, it’s often a progressive condition and once a pet is showing symptoms of heart disease, this can lead to heart failure. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Common signs include coughing, difficulty breathing and tiring more quickly when on walks.

Are some pets more at risk of developing heart disease?

As our pets’ age, the health of the heart may deteriorate and heart disease can develop in some pets later in life. If there’s a genetic factor, heart disease can be present from birth and detected at any age. Every cat or dog may be affected at any time but some breeds are more susceptible to developing heart disease.

How do vets diagnose heart disease?

A stethoscope and thorough examination can reveal abnormal rhythms, pulses, heart murmurs and an abnormally fast or slow heart rate. If there’s any suspicion of heart disease, a blood test can be used to detect stretching of the heart muscle. ECGs will give a trace of the electrical activity of the heart and ultrasound scans give a picture of the physical workings to include how well it's contracting and if there are any structural abnormalities.

X-rays can be used to show the position and size of the heart and can help detect any damage to the lungs or fluid build-up. All of this information is used to identify the cause of the problem and the treatment needed. Based on the findings, the vet will decide on the best treatment regime for your pet.

What treatments are available for heart disease?

These breeds are growing in popularity and, according to the 2015 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, around 4.5 million pet owners do no research before getting a pet. This is a recipe for disaster for the future wellbeing of these pets.

There are many treatments available for heart disease in dogs and cats that can help to improve the function of the heart and stabilise any irregularities. Dogs and cats generally respond very well to veterinary prescribed medications and can live a normal, healthy life.

Ask the experts

With Valentine’s Day this month, we all like to show a little extra love for the pets that are so close to our hearts. But heart disease can be a common complaint for our pets. We ask Veterinary Campaigns Advisor Katy Orton how to spot the signs and seek the right treatment.

​

What is heart disease and what are the common symptoms?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for many conditions that affect the ability of the heart to pump blood around the body. Unfortunately, it’s often a progressive condition and once a pet is showing symptoms of heart disease, this can lead to heart failure. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Common signs include coughing, difficulty breathing and tiring more quickly when on walks.

Are some pets more at risk of developing heart disease?

As our pets’ age, the health of the heart may deteriorate and heart disease can develop in some pets later in life. If there’s a genetic factor, heart disease can be present from birth and detected at any age. Every cat or dog may be affected at any time but some breeds are more susceptible to developing heart disease.

How do vets diagnose heart disease?

A stethoscope and thorough examination can reveal abnormal rhythms, pulses, heart murmurs and an abnormally fast or slow heart rate. If there’s any suspicion of heart disease, a blood test can be used to detect stretching of the heart muscle. ECGs will give a trace of the electrical activity of the heart and ultrasound scans give a picture of the physical workings to include how well it's contracting and if there are any structural abnormalities.

X-rays can be used to show the position and size of the heart and can help detect any damage to the lungs or fluid build-up. All of this information is used to identify the cause of the problem and the treatment needed. Based on the findings, the vet will decide on the best treatment regime for your pet.

What treatments are available for heart disease?

These breeds are growing in popularity and, according to the 2015 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, around 4.5 million pet owners do no research before getting a pet. This is a recipe for disaster for the future wellbeing of these pets.

There are many treatments available for heart disease in dogs and cats that can help to improve the function of the heart and stabilise any irregularities. Dogs and cats generally respond very well to veterinary prescribed medications and can live a normal, healthy life.

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