Your pet’s heart plays a major role by pumping out blood to the rest of their body. It’s not uncommon for your loyal companion to develop cardiac problems. As your pet gets older the likelihood of them developing heart problems increases. Luckily, with frequent veterinary check-ups we can detect them before it’s too late.
What causes my pet to have heart problems?
Your pet’s heart problems can be a result of their weight (overweight/obese pets are more likely to have issues), genetics (your pet may have been born with a heart defect), or it may be due to their age (older pets have a higher chance of developing heart issues).
What are signs of heart disease?
- Sudden weight loss
- Laboured breathing
- Fainting
- Decreased energy
The earlier these symptoms are looked into, the better it is for your pet. If your pet is showing these signs, bring them to a veterinarian for a checkup. To schedule an appointment give us a call at 905-576-3344.
What treatments are available for heart disease?
First, our doctors will perform tests to diagnose the problem. Based on the diagnosis we create a treatment plan that may include one or a combination of the following:
- Modified diets. To reduce fluid buildup, we may place your pet on a low-sodium diet
- Surgery. We may need to perform surgery to repair a torn heart valve or to insert a pacemaker
- Medications to correct their heartbeat and reduce lung fluid
