Heart Care for Pets
(Veterinary Cardiology)
When your pet’s Cardiovascular health is in question, you want answers you can trust – and care that’s close to home. At River Road Animal Hospital, our team provides advanced veterinary cardiology services to diagnose, manage, and monitor heart conditions in dogs and cats.
We use modern diagnostic technology, including digital imaging and echocardiography, to detect problems early and design treatment plans that keep your pet comfortable and active. Our approach blends advanced medicine with personal, continuous care – right here in Southport, NC.
Early Detection of Heart Disease in Pets
Heart disease is more common than most pet owners realize - especially in aging or small-breed dogs and certain cat breeds. Early diagnosis allows for better treatment and a longer, healthier life.
Common signs of heart disease include:
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue after exercise or play
- Fainting or collapsing spells
- Restlessness at night
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
If you’ve noticed any of these changes, don’t wait. Early testing and treatment can make all the difference.
Preventive Care for Pets You Love - Because They Deserve a Lifetime of Health
Progressive Veterinary Care, Longer Visits, and Local Advanced Services in Southport, NC
Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Options
Our diagnostic tools allow us to identify heart problems quickly and accurately. We provide comprehensive evaluations and collaborate with board-certified veterinary cardiologists when advanced testing or interpretation is needed.
Our cardiac diagnostic services include:
- Echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart)
- Digital X-rays for cardiac imaging
- Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG)
- Blood pressure and oxygen level monitoring
- Cardiac medication management and follow-up
Once we understand your pet’s condition, we’ll outline treatment options that fit your pet’s needs and lifestyle – whether that means medication, diet adjustments, or ongoing monitoring.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a heart murmur or heart disease, call or text River Road Animal Hospital in Southport for advanced, compassionate cardiac care.
How We Support Your Pet’s Heart Health
1. Diagnosis and Discussion
We perform thorough cardiac evaluations using digital imaging and echocardiography to identify heart conditions early.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan
Our veterinarians create a care plan to manage symptoms, improve heart function, and support long-term health.
3. Ongoing Monitoring and Support
We monitor your pet’s progress, adjust medications as needed, and provide continued guidance for a longer, more active life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, fainting, and loss of appetite are common signs. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, schedule a heart evaluation at River Road Animal Hospital in Southport, NC.
Our veterinarians use echocardiograms, X-rays, EKGs, and lab testing to evaluate heart structure and function. These tests help us create accurate treatment plans for pets across Southport and Brunswick County.
Yes. While most heart conditions can’t be fully cured, medications and lifestyle changes can significantly improve comfort and lifespan. Our team in Southport manages ongoing treatment and monitors progress carefully.
Heart murmurs can have many causes – some mild, some serious. We’ll determine the type, perform imaging if needed, and guide you through treatment or monitoring based on your pet’s specific condition.
Some breeds are predisposed, but maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and scheduling annual wellness exams in Southport, NC can help prevent or detect problems early.