{"id":9706,"date":"2025-07-16T11:04:07","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T03:04:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/?page_id=9706"},"modified":"2026-02-20T12:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T04:23:37","slug":"cardiology","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/en\/cardiology\/","title":{"rendered":"Cardiology"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"9706\" class=\"elementor elementor-9706 elementor-9273\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-96c81e2 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"96c81e2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_top&quot;:&quot;opacity-tilt&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shape elementor-shape-top\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-negative=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 2600 131.1\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" d=\"M0 0L2600 0 2600 69.1 0 0z\"\/>\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" style=\"opacity:0.5\" d=\"M0 0L2600 0 2600 69.1 0 69.1z\"\/>\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" style=\"opacity:0.25\" d=\"M2600 0L0 0 0 130.1 2600 69.1z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fd1dbf8\" data-id=\"fd1dbf8\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4791225 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4791225\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25cf593 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"25cf593\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Cardiology<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11341ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"11341ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Harvest Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital Cardiology Team is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert cardiac care and providing the best possible outcome for your animal and family.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b721bb0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b721bb0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ee00f00 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ee00f00\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d98da97\" data-id=\"d98da97\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c745c3e\" data-id=\"c745c3e\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ebaa35e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"ebaa35e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c350c4e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c350c4e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd7cbaf e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bd7cbaf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10ef5cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"10ef5cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Cardiology\u200b<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-14be5bc elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"14be5bc\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4475753\" data-id=\"4475753\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b9ddab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7b9ddab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a4bbd9 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8a4bbd9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><p>If your animal is suspected of suffering from heart or circulatory system disease, they will be referred to our Cardiology team. We understand that this can be a worrying diagnosis, but heart disease can range from mild to serious. The most important step is a thorough investigation and accurate diagnosis to ensure the best treatment and outcome. The Harvest Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital Cardiology Team is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert cardiac care and providing the best possible outcome for your animal and family.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e1fbb80 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e1fbb80\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><p>We see cats and dogs for a range of heart conditions and related issues, including:<\/p><ul><li>Heart murmurs<\/li><li>Breathing problems<\/li><li>Collapsing episodes<\/li><li>Exercise intolerance<\/li><li>Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)<\/li><li>Congenital heart conditions, such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pulmonic stenosis<\/li><li>Diseases involving the heart sac (pericardium)<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c87a217 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c87a217\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"847\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GOOOOD-1-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-9282\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GOOOOD-1-1.jpg 847w, https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GOOOOD-1-1-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GOOOOD-1-1-768x530.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 847px) 100vw, 847px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e2ce8aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e2ce8aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Initial Consultation\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe6a69a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fe6a69a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Your initial consultation will usually last 20 to 45 minutes, during which we will take a thorough history. We will discuss recommended tests for your animal, potential costs, expected outcomes, and any possible risks. Our cardiologist will always be accompanied by a nurse who can translate from English to Cantonese if necessary. Your animal will usually need to stay with us for a few hours, and in some cases overnight, for further investigation and treatment.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a37c66 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2a37c66\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diagnostics<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52a3b90 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52a3b90\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Most of our patients do not require sedation. However, some anxious animals may feel more relaxed during tests if they are sedated. If we believe sedation is in your animal\u2019s best interest, we will request your permission. A small patch of fur is typically shaved on both sides of the chest to allow better visualization of the heart using the echocardiography machine.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e0f6c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4e0f6c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>We commonly perform tests such as:<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3346ec5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3346ec5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Echocardiography<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc90dd8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bc90dd8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create real-time pictures of your\u00a0animal\u2019s heart. It helps\u00a0the cardiologist\u00a0assess heart structure, function, and blood flow.\u00a0A special feature\u00a0called\u00a0Color Doppler\u00a0shows the direction and speed of blood flow, helping detect leaks or blockages in heart valves.\u00a0This test is painless and safe. Echocardiography provides vital information to guide treatment and\u00a0monitor\u00a0heart conditions over time, ensuring your\u00a0animal\u00a0receives the best possible care for their heart health.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6534bfd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6534bfd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">ECG<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7b154f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a7b154f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An\u00a0ECG (electrocardiogram)\u00a0is a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of your dog or cat\u2019s heart. It helps detect\u00a0abnormal heart rhythms<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>(arrhythmias)\u00a0conduction abnormalities, which affect how electrical signals travel through the heart, heart rate\u00a0abnormalities\u00a0and can give information on heart chamber enlargement. Small electrodes are placed on your\u00a0animal\u2019s skin to capture these signals. ECG is an important part of assessing overall\u00a0cardiac health, especially when evaluating\u00a0animals with known or suspected heart conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22bba3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"22bba3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">24-hour Holter ECG<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4501e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a4501e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A\u00a024-hour ECG, also called a\u00a0Holter monitor,\u00a0continuously records your dog or cat\u2019s heart rhythm over a full day. It helps detect\u00a0intermittent arrhythmias\u00a0and\u00a0conduction abnormalities\u00a0that may not appear during a short ECG. Your\u00a0animal\u00a0wears a\u00a0vest\u00a0with\u00a0holding a\u00a0small, portable device\u00a0allowing normal activity while\u00a0monitoring\u00a0heart\u00a0rate and rhythm.\u00a0This test is especially helpful for\u00a0animals that faint, have irregular heartbeats, or are being treated with medications for heart rhythm problems\u2014it shows how well those treatments are working.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f14ac8e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f14ac8e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Blood pressure measurement<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc6e8d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dc6e8d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Blood pressure measurement\u00a0is a quick, non-invasive way to assess your dog or cat\u2019s cardiovascular health.\u00a0It\u00a0is measured using a Doppler probe and inflatable cuff on limb.\u00a0It helps detect\u00a0hypertension, which can strain the heart and damage organs, and\u00a0hypotension, which may\u00a0indicate\u00a0poor circulation or heart function.\u00a0Identifying\u00a0abnormal blood pressure is crucial during a cardiac exam, as it can influence\u00a0treatment choices\u2014especially in\u00a0animals with heart disease.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-afc83ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"afc83ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_1537-scaled-1-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-9290\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_1537-scaled-1-3.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_1537-scaled-1-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_1537-scaled-1-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_1537-scaled-1-3-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_1537-scaled-1-3-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ad0f64 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7ad0f64\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Digital thoracic radiography<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-323f1bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"323f1bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Thoracic X-rays\u00a0are taken by gently positioning your dog or cat on their side and\u00a0front\u00a0to capture the chest area. These images show the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. In\u00a0animals with heart disease, X-rays help detect heart enlargement and\u00a0development of\u00a0fluid in the lungs. They also provide a\u00a0baseline image of the lungs<strong>,<\/strong>\u00a0which is useful if your\u00a0animal\u00a0develops breathing problems in the future.\u00a0They are essential for diagnosing and\u00a0monitoring\u00a0cardiac conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d672c33 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d672c33\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Blood tests<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b09c78a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b09c78a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Blood tests in veterinary cardiology help evaluate your\u00a0animal\u2019s heart health. They may include\u00a0cardiac biomarkers\u00a0to detect heart damage or stretch,\u00a0kidney function\u00a0tests, and\u00a0electrolyte levels, which can be influenced by medications and affect heart rhythm. Tests for\u00a0endocrine disorders\u00a0like thyroid or growth hormone, and\u00a0infectious diseases\u00a0such as heartworm or certain\u00a0viruses,\u00a0may also be recommended. These tests are tailored to your\u00a0animal\u2019s needs and provide essential information for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating heart conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30426ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"30426ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>For more complex cases, we can also perform:<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-946d362 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"946d362\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Cardiac CT scan<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc2d1a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bc2d1a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A\u00a0cardiac CT scan\u00a0is an advanced imaging test\u00a0that\u00a0creates\u00a0detailed\u00a0pictures of your\u00a0animal\u2019s heart and surrounding blood vessels. It is performed under anesthesia to keep your\u00a0animal\u00a0still\u00a0during the acquisition of the images. This scan helps detect\u00a0congenital heart defects<strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>tumors<strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>blood\u00a0vessel abnormalities.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0especially valuable when other tests like ultrasound or X-rays\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0provide enough detail, and it supports\u00a0accurate\u00a0diagnosis and\u00a0planning for\u00a0heart-related treatments or surgery.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56d1fcc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"56d1fcc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Cardioversion<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4bee06e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4bee06e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Cardioversion is a procedure used to reset your animal\u2019s heart rhythm when they have atrial fibrillation or flutter\u2014types of irregular heartbeats. It involves delivering a brief, controlled electric shock to the heart while your animal is under anesthesia. This helps restore a normal rhythm and improve circulation. Cardioversion may be recommended when medications alone aren\u2019t enough to correct the abnormal rhythm, and it can play an important role in managing certain heart conditions. `<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46225ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"46225ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Treatment and Management<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fcf9b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8fcf9b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Every patient is unique, and we will discuss the best treatment options for your animal. Most clinical signs can be managed with medication, but some animals may benefit from minimally invasive interventions (keyhole surgery) to correct or improve certain congenital defects or treat abnormal heart rhythms. These interventions involve accessing the heart through veins or arteries in the limbs or neck.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f620607 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f620607\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3eec9f elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e3eec9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><p><strong>Available procedures include: <\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Balloon valvuloplasty (inflating balloons within the heart to open fused valves)<\/li><li>Stent placement to maintain vessel or chamber patency<\/li><li>Device implantation to prevent abnormal blood flow, such as treating patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)<\/li><li>Permanent pacemaker implantation (for abnormal heart rhythms) (available soon)<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6be37e6 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6be37e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"><div class=\"elementor-widget-container\"><p>Our surgery service may operate on cases where minimally invasive procedures are not possible.<\/p><p>Heart disease is common in cats and dogs. Our cardiologist not only manages her own primary cases but also assesses patients referred by other disciplines. When a patient from another service requires anesthesia or sedation, our cardiologist collaborates closely with the anesthesia team to ensure each procedure is carried out as safely as possible.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0d8e67b\" data-id=\"0d8e67b\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01d44d1 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"01d44d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/en\/emergency-critical-care\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Emergency &amp; Critical Care<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1d00e7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b1d00e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Other Specialty Services:<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0eaf32 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"c0eaf32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/en\/anesthesia-and-pain-management\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Anesthesia and Pain Management<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9d8c77 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"c9d8c77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/en\/cardiology\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Cardiology\u200b<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5941c19 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"5941c19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/en\/dentistry-oral-surgery\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Dentistry &amp; Oral Surgery\u200b<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21ba527 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"21ba527\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/en\/Internal-Medicine\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Internal Medicine<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86f0b77 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"86f0b77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/en\/surgery-service\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Surgery Service\u200b<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52a0160 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"52a0160\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hvoc.com.hk\/en\/oncology-services\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Oncology (HVOC)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f3efd5e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f3efd5e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c64f3a7\" data-id=\"c64f3a7\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23c1ba2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"23c1ba2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efe5421 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"efe5421\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2510\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2510\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Does a heart murmur in dogs mean they have heart disease? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2510\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dd28de e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3dd28de\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2510\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b549acc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b549acc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78b8e79 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"78b8e79\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A\u00a0heart murmur<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing noise. It occurs when blood flows turbulently through the heart or its vessels. While a murmur can be a sign of\u00a0heart disease, it\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0always mean your\u00a0animal\u00a0has\u00a0a serious problem. Some murmurs are\u00a0innocent or physiological, especially in young animals, and may\u00a0resolve\u00a0with age. Others may\u00a0indicate\u00a0structural heart issues\u00a0like valve defects, congenital abnormalities, or cardiomyopathy. To\u00a0determine\u00a0the cause and significance, your veterinarian may recommend further tests such as\u00a0echocardiography<strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>chest X-rays<strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>biomarker\u00a0measurement.\u00a0Identifying\u00a0whether a murmur is harmless or linked to heart disease is essential for guiding treatment and monitoring. Early detection allows for better management and can improve your\u00a0animal\u2019s quality of life. Regular check-ups are key to understanding and tracking any changes in heart health.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2511\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2511\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What types of heart diseases are commonly seen in cats and dogs? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2511\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8027bf0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8027bf0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bbdcc3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2bbdcc3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In dogs,\u00a0myxomatous valve disease\u00a0is the most common heart condition, especially in small to medium breeds. It affects the\u00a0mitral valve<strong>,<\/strong>\u00a0causing it to leak. Over time, this can lead to heart enlargement and fluid buildup in the lungs.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Dilated<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>cardiomyopathy\u00a0is another major disease, especially in large breeds. In\u00a0this condition, the heart muscle becomes weak and stretched, reducing its ability to pump blood. Causes include genetics, nutritional deficiencies, infections, toxins, and certain medications.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>In cats, the most common heart disease is\u00a0hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle thickens and impairs function.\u00a0With time this can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and abnormal blood clot formation.\u00a0There\u00a0is often\u00a0a\u00a0genetic\u00a0component, but\u00a0the thickening\u00a0can also be\u00a0worsened\u00a0by endocrine disease, high blood pressure, inflammation, or cancer.\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Dogs\u00a0and cats\u00a0may also have\u00a0congenital defects\u00a0such as\u00a0patent ductus arteriosus\u00a0or\u00a0pulmonic stenosis.\u00a0They\u00a0may develop\u00a0arrhythmias.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2512\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2512\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can heart disease be managed without long-term medication? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2512\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-751a1bb e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"751a1bb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0af1c6a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0af1c6a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Managing heart disease in dogs and cats without long-term medication depends on the condition\u2019s type, severity, and progression.\u00a0Early stages\u00a0may show no symptoms, but silent disease can still pose serious risks. For example, cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may appear healthy yet face life-threatening complications like aortic thromboembolism,\u00a0warranting\u00a0preventive blood thinners. Similarly, dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease\u00a0may\u00a0benefit\u00a0from\u00a0early treatment\u00a0before signs of congestive heart failure\u00a0emerge, improving long-term outcomes.\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>While lifestyle changes and treating underlying issues like hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure can help, many heart diseases are\u00a0progressive\u00a0and may eventually require medication. Veterinary cardiologists use diagnostic tools\u2014such as echocardiograms, ECGs, and blood tests\u2014to guide treatment decisions. In some cases, addressing root causes may delay medication, but once\u00a0significant\u00a0structural damage or heart failure occurs, drugs become essential. A personalized, diagnostic-based approach ensures\u00a0animals receive\u00a0optimal\u00a0care throughout their heart health journey.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does a heart murmur in dogs mean they have heart disease?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A\\u00a0heart murmur\\u00a0is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing noise. It occurs when blood flows turbulently through the heart or its vessels. While a murmur can be a sign of\\u00a0heart disease, it\\u00a0doesn\\u2019t\\u00a0always mean your\\u00a0animal\\u00a0has\\u00a0a serious problem. Some murmurs are\\u00a0innocent or physiological, especially in young animals, and may\\u00a0resolve\\u00a0with age. Others may\\u00a0indicate\\u00a0structural heart issues\\u00a0like valve defects, congenital abnormalities, or cardiomyopathy. To\\u00a0determine\\u00a0the cause and significance, your veterinarian may recommend further tests such as\\u00a0echocardiography,\\u00a0chest X-rays,\\u00a0biomarker\\u00a0measurement.\\u00a0Identifying\\u00a0whether a murmur is harmless or linked to heart disease is essential for guiding treatment and monitoring. Early detection allows for better management and can improve your\\u00a0animal\\u2019s quality of life. Regular check-ups are key to understanding and tracking any changes in heart health.\\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What types of heart diseases are commonly seen in cats and dogs?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In dogs,\\u00a0myxomatous valve disease\\u00a0is the most common heart condition, especially in small to medium breeds. It affects the\\u00a0mitral valve,\\u00a0causing it to leak. 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