Heart Disease in Pets: Why Early Detection Matters

Heart disease is not exclusive to humans—it can also affect both dogs and cats, particularly senior pets and breeds that are genetically predisposed to cardiac conditions.

One of the challenges of heart disease is that many pets show few or no obvious symptoms during the early stages. By the time signs such as coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid breathing, or weakness become noticeable, the disease may have already progressed significantly.

This is why cardiac screening, including echocardiography (heart ultrasound), plays an important role in the early detection and management of heart disease in pets.

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, commonly known as a heart ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the heart's structure and function in real time.

This examination allows veterinarians to assess:

• Heart chamber size

• Heart muscle function

• Heart valve structure and performance

• Blood flow through the heart

• Congenital and acquired cardiac abnormalities

Echocardiography provides detailed information that helps veterinarians diagnose heart conditions accurately and develop appropriate treatment plans.

Common Heart Conditions in Dogs and Cats

Some of the most frequently diagnosed heart diseases include:

• Degenerative valve disease (heart valve disease)

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats

• Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)

• Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

• Congenital heart defects

• Congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema

Many of these conditions can progress gradually and may not produce obvious symptoms during their early stages.

Signs Your Pet May Need a Heart Examination

You should consult a veterinarian if your dog or cat develops any of the following signs:

• Persistent coughing

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Exercise intolerance

• Fatigue or weakness

• Reduced activity levels

• Loss of appetite

• Fainting or collapse episodes

• Abdominal enlargement caused by fluid accumulation

Even in the absence of symptoms, senior pets and breeds at higher risk for heart disease may benefit from routine cardiac screening.

Is an Echocardiogram Painful?

An echocardiogram is a safe, painless, and non-invasive procedure.

Most pets remain awake and comfortable throughout the examination. To obtain clear images, a small area of fur on the chest may be clipped, but sedation is generally not required.

The procedure allows veterinarians to gather valuable information without causing significant stress or discomfort to the patient.

Benefits of Early Cardiac Screening

Early detection of heart disease can provide several important benefits, including:

• Identifying heart disease before clinical signs become severe

• Supporting timely and appropriate treatment decisions

• Monitoring disease progression over time

• Evaluating response to treatment

• Reducing the risk of serious complications

• Improving long-term quality of life

Detecting heart disease early may help pets receive appropriate care before advanced heart failure or other life-threatening complications develop.

Cardiac Evaluation and Echocardiography at HATO

At HATO, our veterinary team provides comprehensive cardiac assessments, including echocardiography, to help diagnose and monitor heart conditions in dogs and cats.

Whether your pet is experiencing symptoms, belongs to a high-risk breed, or is undergoing a routine senior wellness examination, cardiac screening can provide valuable insights into their heart health and overall wellbeing.

Contact HATO

If you have questions about heart disease, echocardiography, or any of our veterinary services, our team is here to help.

Tel: 02 037 8900

LINE: @hatopetwellness

Facebook: Hato Pet Wellness Center