Tips from a Fort Lauderdale Veterinary Cardiologist
Just like humans, some pets develop cardiovascular issues and require more specialized care than what a regular veterinarian can provide. Conditions of the cardiovascular system might be identified during your pet’s routine veterinary visit or when you bring it to Fort Lauderdale animal hospital Family Pet Medical Center after it shows symptoms indicating a medical issue. In that situation, your veterinarian might recommend your pet see a Fort Lauderdale veterinary cardiologist to identify the issue and provide appropriate treatment. We have a team of veterinarians, including a veterinary cardiologist, on staff and are prepared to treat all of your pet’s needs. Here are six reasons to see a veterinary cardiologist when your pet has suspected circulatory or heart problems.
1. Identifying Potential Cardiovascular Problems
When you schedule your pet for an annual physical and vaccinations with Family Pet Medical Center, your veterinarian will run tests and examine your pet to assess its health. If your vet identifies a potential problem with your pet’s cardiovascular system, they might recommend you follow up with our Fort Lauderdale veterinary cardiologist. These professionals have received advanced training in veterinary cardiovascular care and treatment following when they earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, including one year of completing an internship and a three-year residency program in veterinary cardiology. They must then pass a certification exam from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, pass a specialty examination in cardiology, complete research, and demonstrate their proficiency in this specialty area of veterinary medicine.
2. Learning That Your Pet’s Heart Rhythm Is Irregular
like people, some pets have heart murmurs and irregular rhythms of the heart. If your pet has an irregular heart rhythm or murmur, following up with a cardiologist might be important. Young kittens and puppies often have mild heart murmurs that don’t indicate cardiovascular disease. However, if a murmur doesn’t resolve itself by the time your puppy or kitten reaches five months old, they should see a Fort Lauderdale veterinary cardiologist to ensure nothing else is wrong. If your pet has both an irregular heart rhythm and other symptoms, including trouble breathing, coughing, enlargement of the abdomen, or collapsing, you should bring your pet to Fort Lauderdale animal hospital Family Pet Medical Center immediately to see a veterinary cardiologist.
3. Treating Underlying Conditions That Can Cause Congestive Heart Failure
Veterinary cardiologists are trained to treat underlying conditions that can lead to congestive heart failure. In dogs, one of these conditions is called degenerative mitral valve disease. When this disease goes untreated and reaches a later stage, your dog could show symptoms such as intolerance to exercise, trouble breathing, and coughing.
Among cats, a common underlying condition that can result in heart failure is called hypertrophy cardiomyopathy. If your cat has this condition, it might show symptoms such as rapid breathing, lethargy, a loss of appetite, paralysis of its hind end, and pain, or it might collapse. In addition to these underlying conditions, others can also result in congestive heart failure if they aren’t promptly diagnosed and treated.
4. Discovering Your Pet’s High Blood Pressure
Some pets develop high blood pressure and need to be seen by a veterinary cardiologist. In dogs and cats, high blood pressure might develop because of an underlying condition such as hyperthyroidism or kidney failure, making it important to see a specialist for a thorough examination. A veterinary cardiologist has the experience, training, and equipment needed to uncover the root causes of your pet’s high blood pressure and treat both its hypertension and the underlying condition.
5. Having Access to Specialized Equipment
A veterinary cardiologist has the training necessary to use specialized equipment for treating and diagnosing cardiovascular issues, including heart ultrasounds, electrocardiographs, chest x-rays, Holter monitors, computerized tomography scans, and more.
6. Benefiting From the Most Current Information
Veterinary cardiologists must complete ongoing continuing education in the field, which helps them stay current with the latest research and information about treating diseases of the cardiovascular system in a broad range of pets. They might also be aware of clinical trials that your pet could participate in and know the latest therapies to provide your pet with optimal care.
Consult a Fort Lauderdale Veterinary Cardiologist
If your pet is showing concerning symptoms, or you have learned that your pet has a condition of the circulatory system or heart problems, you should schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale veterinary cardiologist at Fort Lauderdale animal hospital Family Pet Medical Center. We have a team of veterinarians, including a veterinary cardiologist, and the latest equipment to provide the treatment your pet deserves. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (954) 567-2500.
