Heartworm disease, caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitus, is an all-too common and potentially devastating disease of dogs and cats. It is estimated that approximately ONE MILLION dogs and cats in the US are infected with this parasite, and many may not have symptoms of the disease until the damage has been done. This parasite... Learn More
Meet Luna: A young Rat Terrier who presented to Friendship Hospital for Animals for evaluation of urinary issues with the Internal Medicine service. While being evaluated by Dr. Stephanie Skinner, a loud heart murmur was heard and Luna was referred to see our Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist, Dr. Chris McLaughlin. Dr. McLaughlin performed a heart ultrasound,... Learn More
The FDA has recently issued a statement advising owners about potential risk for heart disease in dogs fed grain free diets. While grain free diets are of emerging concern, the importance of nutrition in maintaining healthy hearts is well-known. In the 1980s, cats were being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition involving poor heart... Learn More
Pyro is a 12 year old female spayed chow mix who presented to Friendship Cardiology Specialists for recently diagnosed complete heart block. Complete heart block is typically caused by aging changes to the conduction system of the heart. This results in a very slow heart rate which can cause symptoms such lethargy and fainting. Dogs... Learn More
Chloe is a 15 year old female spayed mixed breed dog who presented to the Friendship Cardiology Specialists for evaluation of episodes of collapse and labored breathing. On exam, she was found to have labored breathing and abnormal lung sounds (crackles). An echocardiogram was performed and showed a thickened mitral valve with a large leak... Learn More
Meet Rocky!! Rocky is a 9-year-old Boxer who was immediately rushed in to Friendship Emergency & Critical Care Services after he collapsed following his morning walk. He was stabilized and quickly diagnosed with a life-threatening arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia arises from improper electrical activity causing the filling chambers of the heart (the ventricles) to beat... Learn More
Patent Ductus Arteriosus in a Puppy Lady presented to Friendship Cardiology Specialists for evaluation of a heart murmur noted by her vet at her first puppy exam. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) was performed, and she was diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) causing severe heart enlargement. A PDA is a birth defect involving the... Learn More
What Does it Mean if My Veterinarian Hears a Heart Murmur? Listening to your pet’s heart and lungs is a vital part of the annual physical exam. When we listen to your dog or cat’s chest we are listening to the type of sounds the heart beat produces as well as the rhythm of the... Learn More
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