Help from a Fort Lauderdale Cat Cardiologist
MVZ. MSc. Andres Renato Ordoñez
A veterinary cardiologist studies diseases of the cardiovascular system of animals. They deal with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or hypertension in animals.
Pathologies in a cat’s heart can be just as frequent as in dogs. Although they can be more difficult to detect in time because their symptoms are more subtle. Heart disease in cats can be congenital or acquired.
Congenital heart disease in cats is present at birth and can be inherited from the parents.
Acquired or adult-onset heart disease in cats often occurs in middle-aged to older cats due to wear and tear on the structures of the hear but can also be the result of an injury or infection.
Warning signs to look for in our cats:
Difficulty breathing: If your cat is having trouble breathing normally, having episodes of choking, or has a markedly increased heart rate, there is a chance that they have developed a problem with their heart.
Pain when walking or weakness of the hind legs: Pain or weakness in the hind legs is due to thromboembolisms which are blood clots that occur due to heart disease. These are the first signs that something is wrong. The most frequent are lodged at the end of the aortic artery and stop the normal blood supply to the hind legs.
Fatigue or depression: If you notice that your cat exhibits a change in behavior and now seems depressed, listless, or reluctant to receive affection.
Loss of appetite: As in the previous point, loss of appetite for no apparent reason is also a sign that something is wrong.
Weightloss: Rapid weight loss is also a symptom of heart disease. Because the reasons for this change can be multiple, it is essential to be attentive to the rest of the signs.
Distended Abdomen: A swollen or distended abdomen is a relatively noticeable sign that is sometimes overlooked or mistaken for weight gain.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact Family Pet Medical Center – Family Pet Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. We offer the best care in the area of veterinary cardiology. Call today at 954-567-2400 to schedule an appointment or request emergency services.
In the cardiology department, complementary tests are performed and analyzed that allow us to detect more specific alterations to corroborate a diagnosis. This includes radiology to help discover possible malformations in the heart and lungs and electrocardiography to study cardiac electrical activity. Doppler echocardiography or cardiac ultrasounds are also available to analyze heart function.
Contacting a Fort Lauderdale Cat Cardiologist
Our medical team will design the most appropriate treatment plan for each case. Each plan will adjust for the specific pathology and characteristics of your pet. These cardiovascular health plans will help to optimize cardiac function, improve quality of life, and help prevent future deterioration.
In recent years the life expectancy of cats and dogs has increased due to veterinary hospitals like Family Pet Medical Center, part of Family Pet Medical Center. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you and the four-legged members of your family. Contact our Fort Lauderdale animal hospital today at 954-567-2400 to schedule an appointment or request emergency services.
