Cardiology consultation
A full cardiac assessment for dogs and cats — from a murmur found at vaccination to the long-term management of chronic disease. A heart ultrasound usually on the same day, with the plan and check-up dates in writing.
What it involves
A cardiology consultation is a visit at which we establish whether the animal’s heart is diseased, how severely, and whether treatment is already needed. It begins with a history (cough, tiring easily, fainting, breathing at rest) and a careful listen to the heart, but a murmur alone is not enough to make a diagnosis. That is why, on the same day if it is indicated, we perform echocardiography, an ultrasound of the heart that shows the structure of the valves, the thickness of the walls and the strength of contraction.
Depending on the findings, we add an ECG (if an arrhythmia is suspected), blood pressure measurement, a chest X-ray (to assess the lungs and the size of the heart) and blood tests, including cardiac markers and an assessment of the kidneys, which matters when choosing drugs.
The outcome of the consultation is a clear answer: a healthy heart / disease that does not need treatment, with a date for a re-check / disease that requires treatment, with a drug plan and a schedule of visits recorded in the medical records.
When it is used
For any murmur detected during a routine examination or vaccination, for a cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks, for tiring easily, fainting or fast breathing at rest, and in cats also before any anaesthetic in predisposed breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Sphynx) and in animals after 8–10 years of age.
The consultation is also a check-up point for patients who are already being treated for heart disease and whose medication needs to be reviewed.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- During a vaccination the vet heard a heart murmur and recommended an echocardiogram.
- A dog coughs mainly at night and after exertion, sometimes as if trying to bring something up.
- A dog tires more quickly on walks, stops and pants.
- The animal has fainted or briefly collapsed when excited.
- A cat breathes fast with its mouth open after play, or has more than 30 breaths per minute at rest.
- A cat has suddenly lost the use of its hind legs and is crying out loudly. This is an emergency, so call immediately.
- A puppy or kitten is growing poorly and tires more quickly than its littermates.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
No preparation or earlier tests are needed for the consultation; bring your existing records and a list of medication. The mainstay of on-site diagnosis is echocardiography. We supplement it with an ECG, blood pressure, digital chest X-rays and laboratory tests (blood count, biochemistry with assessment of the kidneys and electrolytes, NT-proBNP if needed and, in cats, thyroid hormones).
The tests are painless and do not require sedation. The animal lies on its side on a soft table, and we examine cats that get stressed in a “less holding, more patience” way.
How it proceeds
The visit takes about 45–60 minutes. It includes history-taking, listening to the heart, assessing the pulse and mucous membranes, and then the tests: usually an echocardiogram and the others as indicated. We discuss the result straight away in front of the screen, showing you what is abnormal, what stage the disease is at and what follows from that.
At the end the owner receives a written summary: the diagnosis, the drugs with doses, instructions for counting breaths at home and the date of the next check-up. If the patient was referred by another vet, we send that vet a report of the results in line with standard STD-06.
Aftercare
The most important homework is counting breaths while the animal is asleep, which is the most sensitive sign of deterioration. The normal rate is below 30 per minute; an increase on two consecutive days is a reason to phone us. Give the drugs regularly at the same times, without stopping them on your own.
We set check-ups individually: from every 6–12 months for disease without symptoms to every few weeks after drugs are started or changed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a heart murmur always a sign of disease?
No. Some murmurs in puppies and cats are innocent, and in adult dogs mild valve disease may not need treatment for years. A heart ultrasound settles the question.
Is a referral needed for the consultation?
No. You can book directly, but if the animal has been treated elsewhere, bring the results and a list of medication.
Does the animal need to be fasted?
No, unless we are also booking blood tests, in which case we will tell you when you book. Do not stop any medication before the visit.
Can my cat have heart disease without symptoms?
Yes. HCM in cats can run without symptoms for years and is sometimes detected only when anaesthesia is being planned or when the cat suddenly deteriorates. That is why we recommend a preventive echocardiogram in predisposed breeds.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about the cardiology consultation?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.