Pets can develop heart disease just like people, and early diagnosis plays a critical role in treatment and long-term health. At Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Mount Laurel, our veterinary cardiology service provides advanced diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment for dogs and cats with heart conditions.

Our experienced team works closely with your primary care veterinarian to diagnose heart disease, develop personalized treatment plans, and help pets maintain the best possible quality of life.

Common Heart Conditions in Dogs and Cats

Our veterinary cardiology team evaluates and treats many forms of canine and feline heart disease, including:

• Heart murmurs

• Congestive heart failure

• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

• Mitral valve disease

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats

• Congenital heart defects

• Pericardial disease

• Pulmonary hypertension

Some pets are diagnosed with heart disease during routine exams, while others may develop symptoms that require a cardiology consultation and advanced testing.

Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics

Our cardiology service uses advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate heart structure, function, and electrical activity.

Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)

An echocardiogram allows our specialists to visualize the heart in real time. This test evaluates heart chambers, valves, and blood flow, helping diagnose many types of heart disease.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms.

Thoracic Radiographs (Chest X-Rays)

Chest X-rays help evaluate heart size and identify fluid in the lungs or chest, which can occur with congestive heart failure.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Monitoring blood pressure helps assess cardiovascular health and may identify conditions contributing to heart disease.

Cardiac Biomarker Testing

Specialized blood tests can help detect and monitor certain forms of heart disease in dogs and cats.

Signs of Heart Disease in Pets

Some pets with heart disease show no symptoms initially, while others may develop noticeable changes. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Persistent coughing

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing at rest

• Exercise intolerance or fatigue

• Collapse or fainting episodes

• Decreased appetite

• Abdominal swelling or fluid buildup

If your pet is experiencing difficulty breathing or sudden collapse, this may be a medical emergency and immediate veterinary care is recommended.

Veterinary Cardiology Referrals

Our cardiology service works closely with referring veterinarians throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region. If your veterinarian recommends a cardiology consultation or echocardiogram, our team will coordinate care and share diagnostic results to ensure your pet receives comprehensive treatment.