On average, a cat's heart may beat between 120 and 160 times per minute. A dog's heart rate can be anywhere from 60 to 140 beats per minute. With that being said, your pet’s heart does a lot of work throughout his or her lifetime to keep the blood pumping. At Fairlea Animal Hospital, serving Fairlea, WV, Lewisburg, WV, and the nearby region, we want your pet's heart to beat for years to come. And here's how we can help using pet cardiology with a veterinarian on our veterinary team.
Checking Vital Signs
At your pet wellness appointments, whether it's for your pet's cardiovascular system or not, a vet on our veterinary team may check your pet's vital signs, including his or her heart rate and blood pressure. If we notice an issue, we can conduct further testing. If we're already aware of a problem, we can alter your pet's current treatment plan to better control his or her heart problem.
Testing
When you visit us as your selection for a “vet near me,” our practitioner may provide your pet with imaging, such as an electrocardiogram -- a test that assesses the electrical waves of the heart. We can provide other testing, such as a blood test to evaluate your pet's cardiac biomarkers, cholesterol levels, etc. We may perform echocardiography, which is an ultrasound of the heart. And these are some of the testing our veterinarian may perform in regards to your heart.
Treatment
Once we perform any necessary testing, a veterinarian on our veterinary team can help determine an appropriate course of action to manage your pet's condition. This varies based on your pet's condition, the severity of it, and your pet's situation.
For instance, let's say your pet has congestive heart failure. When this occurs, your pet's heart can't pump fluids as it should. As a result, a veterinarian on our veterinary team may prescribe a medication to control irregular heartbeats. Another option is a drug that helps the heart work to prevent fluid build-up from occurring.
Another example is if your pet has heart disease. In this case, your pet may have difficulty breathing or abdominal swelling. We may be able to help your pet live a longer, healthier life through lifestyle changes and medication.
Get Pet Cardiology from a Veterinarian on Our Veterinary Team
When you visit a vet on our team at Fairlea Animal Hospital, serving Fairlea, WV, Lewisburg, WV, and the nearby regions, we can help determine the appropriate level of treatment and help regulate your pet's condition. In some cases, we may be able to prevent further damage and extend your pet's life. Book an appointment with a “vet near me” by calling (304) 645-3550 for our pet cardiology services.
