Cardiology

veterinary cardiologist in canton, ga

Veterinary Cardiology in Canton, GA

At Riverstone Animal Hospital, we consult with board certified cardiologists to offer a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for detecting and treating heart conditions. Our goal is to more quickly diagnose heart conditions in pets, so their conditions can in turn be addressed and treated more quickly. With our services provided in-house, you won’t have to travel or wait for referral to a specialty hospital.

What to Expect at Your Pet's Consultation

If you schedule a cardiology appointment for your pet, here is what you can expect at their visit:

  • A thorough physical examination
  • A review of your pet's medical records
  • Possible blood pressure check, blood work, chest X-ray, ECG, and/or ultrasound exam

The cost for a complete work-up can range from $900-$1500. We are happy to accept CareCredit as payment.

Contact us today to request an appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

Veterinary Cardiology Services We Provide

Diagnosing heart conditions in pets often involves multiple steps. These include:

  • A comprehensive examination
  • Chest X-rays
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Full blood and urine testing to rule out underlying conditions that affect the heart
  • Echocardiogram (ultrasound evaluation of the heart)
  • 100% oxygen therapy (essential for pets with congestive heart failure)
  • Screening for hidden heart disease in cats, especially high-risk cats (seniors, Maine Coons)
  • Consultation with a board-certified specialist within 24-48 hours of appointment*

*This consultation provides an expert evaluation of your pet’s case and test results, and allows us to develop a customized treatment plan.

Heart Conditions We Can Diagnose and Treat

We diagnose and provide treatment for the following health problems:

  • Enlarged heart (hypertrophic and dilatory cardiomyopathy)
  • Congestive heart failure (dogs and cats)
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Heart murmur (turbulence in blood flow that creates an abnormal sound)
  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Degenerative heart valve disease (common in small breed dogs)
  • Masses or cancers affecting the heart and area around the heart

Signs Your Pet May have Heart Disease

Signs of heart disease in dogs typically include:

  • Murmur (abnormal heart beat sound)
  • Lethargy and/or exercise intolerance
  • Coughing
  • Labored/rapid breathing

Cats often do not show visible signs of heart disease until heart failure sets in. The key to early detection of heart disease in cats is for them to have regular examinations and routine heart screenings. This is especially important as cats get older and become more at risk, with the Maine Coon breed being particularly susceptible.

Cat at our animal hospital to see the veterinary cardiologist in Canton, GA

The Importance of Routine Exams and Preventative Care

It is possible for your pet to avoid heart problems or experience less severe symptoms with the proper care. At Riverstone Animal Hospital, we recommend annual or semiannual examinations so we can check your pet’s heart regularly for any abnormal signs. Detecting heart disease or heart failure early in its development can greatly improve your pet’s health and longevity.

Diet also plays a crucial role in the prevention or management of heart conditions. Obesity caused by a poor diet can exacerbate heart problems (in addition to other problems). With a healthy diet and daily exercise, you can keep heart conditions at bay.

Another important way to prevent or reduce heart issues is to keep your dog or cat on year-round heartworm prevention. Heartworm disease can cause lasting damage to your pet’s heart, or it can prove fatal if left untreated.

The Relationship Between Grain-Free Diets and Heart Disease in Dogs

Over the last few years, there has been an increased interest in the link between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. While there are no definitive answers yet as to whether grain-free food actually is causing heart disease in canines, the incidence of heart disease is high enough that we recommend avoiding grain-free diets just to be safe. What’s more, it is a common misconception that grains in food cause allergies or other health problems in dogs.

We’re happy to answer any questions you have about your grain-free foods and your pet’s diet. Please give us a call at (770) 479-7141 or book an appointment online for more information!