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54 results for “cardiac care”
Heatstroke and Sunstroke in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Heatstroke and sunstroke—together called heat illness—overwhelm a dog's ability to shed heat, sending body temperature dangerously high and damaging the brain and organs. Large and short-nosed breeds are most at risk, and rapid cooling with veterinary care is lifesaving.
Pericardial Effusion in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Pericardial effusion is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the sac around the heart, compressing it and causing fatigue and breathing difficulty. Common triggers include heart failure, parasites, anemia, and cardiac tumors, and treatment removes the fluid while addressing the underlying cause.
Canine and Feline Caval Syndrome (Heartworm): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Caval syndrome is the acute, life-threatening form of heartworm disease in which adult worms suddenly obstruct the vena cava and heart, causing sudden collapse, bloody urine, and jaundice. Emergency surgical removal of the worms is the definitive treatment, and prevention depends on year-round parasite control.
Endocarditis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Endocarditis is infection or inflammation of the heart valves and inner lining, usually from bacteria, viruses, heartworm, or fungi spreading through the bloodstream. Affected pets lose appetite, tire easily, cough, and may develop heart failure if untreated.
Myocarditis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, usually secondary to infection, parasites, toxins, or metabolic disease. It raises myocardial excitability and weakens contraction, and severe cases can cause collapse or sudden death, so prompt veterinary care is essential.
Cor Pulmonale in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Cor pulmonale (pulmonary heart disease) is right-sided heart failure driven by high pressure in the pulmonary arteries, usually from chronic lung disease, heartworm, or chest-wall disorders. Signs include cough, labored breathing, and fluid buildup, and treatment must target the underlying cause.
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a frequently inherited heart-muscle disease in which the ventricular walls thicken and filling is impaired. Many cats show no early signs, then suddenly develop breathing distress, weakness, or sudden death from stress or arterial obstruction.
Canine Mitral Valve Insufficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Mitral valve insufficiency is a degenerative heart-valve disease in which blood leaks backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium, accounting for roughly three-quarters of canine heart disease. Older small breeds are most affected and show exercise intolerance, coughing, and night-time breathing distress.
Canine Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Canine hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a chronic, often inherited heart muscle disease in which the left ventricular wall and septum thicken, impairing the heart's ability to relax and fill. Many dogs show no signs until they develop breathing difficulty, fainting, or sudden collapse, so early cardiac screening is essential.
Tetralogy of Fallot in Dogs and Cats
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect combining four abnormalities that lower blood oxygen. Affected pets are stunted, blue-tinged, and prone to breathless spells. Care focuses on oxygen, limited activity, and surgical repair.