Cardiology – treatment and diagnostics of heart diseases
Cardiac diseases develop in all animal species, but in our clinic we focus on diagnostics and treatment of cardiac conditions primarily in dogs and cats. Most patients of the cardiologic department of the clinic are either referred from other departments of our clinic or from other clinics around Estonia.
The services provided by the cardiologic department of the clinic are supervised by an internationally recognised specialist and a lecturer in cardiorespiratory medicine of our university, Doctor Paul Fridtjof Mõtsküla.
The common symptoms in patients requiring a cardiologist’s consultation are abnormal cardiac sounds (murmurs) or irregular rhythm (arrhythmia) discovered during a routine clinical examination, as well as breathing problems, decreased exercise tolerance, or fainting. Cardiac conditions significantly increase anaesthesia related risks. Therefore, the department of anaesthesiology often sends us patients expecting surgeries or other procedures performed under general anaesthesia for additional diagnostic tests.
During the visit, the veterinarian carefully studies the patient’s medical history and asks the owner about the previous course of the disease, as well as analyses the test results and other information related to the condition. After clinical examination of the animal, the veterinarian suggests the possible diagnoses and makes decisions about further diagnostic procedures.
Most tests and procedures performed on cardiac patients are done without sedation. However, in some cases, sedation may be required, and therefore, it is recommended not to feed your pet 6–8 hours before the visit (drinking water may be available all the time).
The most important diagnostic method is cardiac ultrasonography or echocardiography, that allows the veterinarian to assess anatomic structures and mechanical functioning of the heart. For the procedure, the animal is placed on its side on a special soft platform. The procedure is normally performed without any sedation and does not cause any discomfort to the animal. During the procedure, heart wall thickness, the size of the parts, valve structure and functioning, and heart chamber contractions and relaxations are assessed. Doppler sonography is used to evaluate blood flow velocity inside the heart and in large blood vessels. This method helps determine even minor leaks in the valves, heart wall defects, and blood flow obstructions.
Electrocardiography is performed to evaluate the heart rhythm. Rhythm disorders/ Arrhythmia may not constantly reveal themselves/ itself. Therefore, Holter monitoring, i.e. a 24- or 48-hour outpatient electrocardiography or monitoring of the cardiac rhythm, may be required. Thus, special self-adhesive electrodes are attached to the chest and a vest or suspenders holding a small ECG device of the size of a mobile phone is put on the animal. This procedure allows the cardiologist to monitor and evaluate the cardiac rhythm during the whole day, both during active and resting periods. Holter monitoring is essential if the animal suffers from fainting episodes.
X-ray examination/ Radiology is used to study cardiovascular system and assess the condition of other thoracic cavity organs. This procedure is also usually performed without any medicinal sedation. Additionally, in order to diagnose cardiovascular diseases, it may be necessary to measure blood pressure, perform blood sample analysis to assess the condition of different internal organs or evaluate oxygen supply to various tissues (pulse oximetry and blood gases).
After the procedures, the diagnosis is confirmed and treatment plan developed. The veterinarian usually discusses the treatment plan with the pet owner, gives recommendations on how to monitor the animal at home, and suggests possible additional or repeated diagnostic procedures. As far as our clinic is affiliated with Estonian University of Life Sciences, veterinary medicine students may attend consultations and be present during the procedures. However, you should not worry, as the safety of all the manipulations is guaranteed by your treating veterinarian and the students are not allowed to perform any procedure without careful supervision of the specialist