CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

04/11/2025

Happy National Pet Day! Drop a pic of your pet in the comments so we can all appreciate their cuteness. 😍👇💗

04/09/2025

Let’s be real—you were going to online shop anyway. 😏 Why not grab your pet’s food and meds online too while you’re at it? Shop our online pharmacy at https://cvcavets.com

04/01/2025

Eric Gizmo was previously diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and is currently on Rivaroxaban therapy. 

What is Rivaroxaban❓❓ This is an anticoagulant agent. Like clopidogrel, it is used in order to decrease the risk of abnormal blood clot formation. 

Eric Gizmo continues to thrive at home and we couldn't be happier!! We will monitor him closely to help him live the most comfortable life as long as possible! 🐾

03/31/2025

Get peace of mind with every order on our online pharmacy. When you shop with your trusted, local vet team, you can look forward to professional, fast service, vendor guarantees, and competitive pricing compared to other big box retailers. Visit our website to shop our online pharmacy! 📲

03/24/2025

We offer same-day appointments to ensure your pet gets the care they need when they need it. Call us today to book their appointment!

03/17/2025

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We feel so lucky to have the privilege of caring for your furry family members. ☘️

03/16/2025

It’s National Poison Prevention Week, so we want to remind you to keep your pets away from these common household items that are toxic to pets! ❌

03/13/2025

Happy Canine Veterans Day to all brave four-legged heroes who have served our country. ❤️ Join us thanking all who have served for their service and sacrifice in the comments.

03/12/2025

Did you schedule your echocardiogram today??

03/05/2025

EAR-Resistible 🐰

Carlo was presented to CVCA for an initial evaluation of radiographic cardiomegaly and a murmur. After careful examination by Meghan Allen, DVM, DACVIM, Carlo was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect (VSD). 

What is VSD ⁉️

This is a heart defect that involves a communication between the left and right sides of the heart. The end result is abnormal shunting of blood back through the blood vessels of the lungs, which in turn circulates back to the left side of the heart.

The majority of the effects of a VSD are related to the size of the defect and therefore, the amount of blood that is allowed to shunt abnormally. In very large defects, massive amounts of blood can recirculate, causing overload of the left side of the heart and eventual congestive heart failure. Conversely, animals with very small VSDs generally remain asymptomatic and never experience a problem associated with their heart defect. Carlo has a large VSD with significant shunting of blood from the left heart to the right heart. This has led to significant enlargement of his heart, and with evidence of congestive heart failure on chest x-rays (fluid in the lungs secondary to heart disease). Congestive heart failure is managed in rabbits with several medications, most commonly with furosemide (loop diuretics) and enalapril (ace-inhibitors). Pimobendan is a medication that can also help boost cardiac function. 

Medical therapy was initiated for sweet Carlo and our plan is to monitor him closely to try to keep him feeling better for longer.

We are sending bunny hugs your way! 💙

02/27/2025

What every pet owner should know about their pet’s heart health. ❤️

If your pet needs a veterinary cardiologist, find a CVCA location near you cvcavets.com/locations/

02/25/2025

You might be surprised to learn these things about your pet’s heart health. Share this with your fellow pet parents!

If your pet needs a veterinary cardiologist, find a CVCA location near you cvcavets.com/locations/

02/25/2025

VCA SE Portland Animal Hospital referred Jenga to us due to a historic heart murmur. 

After his exam with Gregg Rapoport, DVM, DACVIM, we were happy to report that his echocardiogram revealed only a benign explanation for Jenga’s heart murmur, namely a phenomenon known as dynamic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. As a solo finding without any other echocardiographic abnormalities (as is the case for Jenga), this is a harmless entity that is common in cats. While it includes blood flow turbulence that results in an audible heart murmur as was previously noted for Jenga, it does not cause enlargement of the heart, lead to congestive heart failure, or cause any symptoms. This is great news for Jenga since we have an explanation for the murmur that was noted, yet it does not constitute a disease or a reason for concern. As such, he does not require any heart medications, and there is no need for planned cardiac re-evaluation. 

We love good news!! 🐆

02/21/2025

It’s that time of year again! ❤️

Our amazing teams across the country celebrated Wear Red Day on February 7th in honor of American Heart Month, raising awareness about the importance of heart health.

Now, we need your help to crown this year’s winner! 🏆✨

📸 Vote by scrolling through the photos and reacting with a ❤️ or 👍 on your favorite team’s picture. The team with the most reactions wins!

🗳️ Voting closes next Friday, 2/28 at 12 PM CT—so cast your vote before time runs out!

A huge shoutout to our eight participating offices:
🔹 CVCA Vienna
🔹 CVCA San Juan Capistrano
🔹 CVCA Louisville
🔹 CVCA Portland-Hollywood
🔹 CVCA Springfield
🔹 CVCA Fairfax
🔹 CVCA Knightdale
🔹 CVCA Wheat Ridge

Let’s show some love for our incredible teams! ❤️🐾

02/18/2025

Did you know this about your pet’s heart health? Share with other pet parents! ❤️

If your pet needs a veterinary cardiologist, find a CVCA location near you at cvcavets.com/locations/

02/18/2025

What’s not to love about our online pharmacy? Visit our website today to shop!

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day! We love having the honor of caring for your furry family members & know the love you share with them is a special one. ❤

02/10/2025

How much do you really know about your pet’s heart health?

February is ! Throughout the month, several of our veterinary cardiologists will be myth-busting common perspectives around pet cardiac health.

Get excited to learn more about your furry friend's heart health from some experts! ❤️

If your pet needs a veterinary cardiologist, find a CVCA location near you at cvcavets.com/locations/

02/08/2025

Do you have a scaly, feathered, or furry friend that’s a little outside the norm? 🐍🦎🦜 Our team offers expert care and advice for exotic pets. Call us today to book their appointment!

02/03/2025

This Pet Heart Health Month, here are some tips to help keep your pet’s heart healthy!

09/12/2022

This smiling cutie goes by Maizy! She has been seeing us for cardiac care for over 5 years! She was referred by Hill Country Animal Hospital and recently visited us to monitor her dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmias.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Nicole, LVT for an exam and recheck echocardiogram, as well as a recheck Holter monitor placement, we found that Maizy is doing great! Her cardiac disease is stable and we didn't need to make any medication adjustments.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is heart muscle disease that causes loss of heart muscle strength, enlargement of the heart, and a decreased ability to pump blood through the body(heart failure). Maizy has benefitted from cardiac medications that improve her heart's pumping function and control her cardiac arrhythmias.

To learn more about CVCA and dilated cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-k6K0

08/24/2022

This is Lady Bug! She was referred by Belton Small Animal Clinic and recently visited us to monitor her left ventricular dilation and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

After seeing Julia Lindholm, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Kristin, Veterinary Assistant, for an exam and recheck echocardiogram, we found that Lady Bug has had some progression of her cardiac disease as a result of her having the congenital defect called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). PDA is the failure of a large blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) to close just after birth. In a fetus, this vessel is normal and allows blood to bypass the lungs since the lungs are not used in utero. At birth, the vessel should closes within hours, directing blood to flow into the newly inflated lungs. When the closure doesn't happen, the difference in pressure between the pulmonary artery and the aorta means that blood will take the path of least resistance and flow from the aorta through the patent ductus arteriosus into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery then needlessly recirculates this oxygenated blood back to the lungs. Since less blood is now being pumped into the main circulation through the aorta with each heartbeat, the left side of the heart is forced to work harder to meet the demands of the body.

Lady Bug has been seeing us for just over a year and continues to take a cardiac medication to improve her heart's pumping function. To learn more about PDA and other cardiac diseases, head on over to our website https://hubs.li/Q01kSYqk0

06/29/2022

This peaceful pup is JJ! He was referred by Bluebonnet Animal Hospital and recently visited us for a recheck of his degenerative valve disease (DVD).

After seeing Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) and vet assistant Tara for an exam, we found that JJ's DVD has progressed from not-yet needing meds to meds would now be beneficial for JJ.

Degenerative Valve Disease is the most common form of heart disease in dogs. It is a progressive (chronic) disease, which means it will worsen over time, although how quickly or slowly it progresses is different for every dog. The valve leaflets of the heart become thickened and less flexible, and a valvular leak can occur that can lead to heart enlargement over time and subsequently heart failure.

Dr. Bordelon has recommended a treatment plan for JJ and will work with JJ's pet parents and primary care veterinarian to provide cardiac guidance so JJ's heart can function to the best of its ability!

To learn more about CVCA and DVD visit https://hubs.li/Q01dJ8yj0

06/11/2022

CVCA is seeking veterinary assistants/technicians in Austin, TX and Rockville, MD! Join our amazing team and receive industry-leading benefits (including a signing bonus for June/July)! Learn more and apply today:

https://hubs.ly/Q01cY6X10

05/11/2022

This is Ben! He was referred by Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center and recently visited us to monitor his hyperthyroidism.

After seeing Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology and Shelley, an LVT, for an exam and recheck echocardiogram, we found that Ben is doing great! This was his third time in to see us, and we were able to report continued improvement of his thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy to his pet parents.

When Ben initially was evaluated, he had just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Effects of hyperthyroidism on the heart include:

- Rapid heart rate
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Abnormal heart sounds (murmur +/gallop)
- Thickening of the heart muscle
- High blood pressure
- Congestive heart failure (fluid in or around the lungs)

Ben started a medication to reduce his thyroid level, and two cardiac medications to help reduce his heart rate and the risk of clot formation. We're glad we can help him and we'll keep monitoring his condition!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q019MfRj0.

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/27/2022

This is Lo**ta! She was referred by Roots Integrative Veterinary Care and recently visited us for a recheck of her hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

After seeing Dr. Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) for a recheck exam and echocardiogram, we found that Lo**ta's cardiac disease is currently stable!

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in cats. HCM causes progressive thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle (left ventricle) and dilation of the left atrium. Over time the thickening can create a stiff heart possibly resulting in congestive heart failure (fluid in or around the lungs).

Lo**ta has been seeing us regularly since 2018 and we'll continue to monitor her cardiac status to make sure her heart is working the best it can!

To learn more about CVCA and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q018ZtMB0

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/25/2022

4/25/22 -- CVCA Austin-Northwest is currently experiencing phone and internet connectivity issues. If you have any non-urgent inquiries, please email us at [email protected] or call back at another time. We apologize for any inconvenience!

04/20/2022

Presenting 2-year-old cutie Rosie! She was referred by Lake Austin Blvd Animal Hospital and recently visited us for evaluation of a new heart murmur before having anesthesia for a dental cleaning.

After seeing Katie Meier, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for her echocardiogram, we found that Rosie has what is called an "innocent" murmur, which means we did not find any structural abnormalities or decrease in heart function at this time. When this happens, we recommend a recheck if and when murmur intensity increases or other signs of heart disease occur. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is a breed with a high prevalence of heart disease, so Rosie's pet parents and her primary veterinarian wanted to be sure she had a cardiac evaluation before anesthesia, despite her young age.

We also care for Rosie's housemate Milo, who is also a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He visits us regularly for rechecks to manage his progressive degenerative mitral valve disease, which is the most common form of heart disease we see in Rosie and Milo's breed.

To learn more about CVCA and chronic degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179jwD0

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/13/2022

Meet Carlos! He was referred by Bluebonnet Animal Hospital and recently visited us for evaluation of taking longer to recover from exercise.

After seeing Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Carlos has mild subaortic stenosis.

Subaortic stenosis is a congenital disease in which a muscular or fibrous band of tissue develops below the aortic valve creating an obstruction to blood flow out of the left ventricle. The aortic valve is generally normal with this disease, however it can become damaged from the high velocity, turbulent flow created by the stenotic lesion in the left ventricular outflow tract (the area below the aortic valve). Subaortic stenosis is categorized into mild, moderate or severe disease. Carlos has mild disease, but subaortic stenosis can progress until the patient is about 2 years of age so we will plan to recheck him around his 2nd birthday to see where he will settle out. Currently, Carlos does not need any cardiac medications.

We will work with Carlos' pet parents and primary care veterinarian to monitor his cardiac health so he can continue to have many fun-filled years ahead!

To learn more about CVCA and subaortic stenosis, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179hFP0

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/12/2022

Can't wait until September!

We would like to thank CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets for their Silver Sponsorship of !

04/06/2022

This is a 2-year-old handsome fella named Gunner! His pet parent is aware of the high prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in Doberman Pinschers like him, so she wanted to get a cardiac screening at a young age as a baseline.

Gunner came to us with no history of cardiac disease, and we performed an echocardiogram and placed a Holter monitor. His echo showed no current evidence of cardiac disease, and his Holter monitor revealed zero arrhythmias, which is fantastic! Dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias are the two most common cardiac conditions we diagnose in Doberman Pinschers. We were so happy to send Gunner home with great news!

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q0179nSV0!

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

04/03/2022

This is 1-year-old Mikey! He was referred to us by Castlerock Pet Hospital and recently visited us for evaluation of a heart murmur. Mikey's pet parents have previous experience with congenital feline cardiac disease and they wanted to figure out the status of Mikey's heart.

After seeing Dr. Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Mikey's heart has normal cardiac structure and function with a mild dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

This condition is created when the muscle of the left ventricular outflow tract squeezes and narrows the exit to the left ventricle. Much like a garden hose with your thumb over the end, this creates fast and turbulent blood flow, which is noted as a murmur. This is generally considered a benign finding secondary to elevated sympathetic nervous system tone, however some cats with outflow tract obstruction may develop structural cardiac disease in the future.

We will work with Mikey's pet parents and primary care veterinarian to monitor his outflow tract obstruction so he can continue to live a happy life!

To learn more about CVCA and how we help pets with cardiac disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179nsK0

CVCA Austin-Northwest works closely with Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

02/04/2022

2/4/22- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Austin-Northwest will have a delayed open at 12:00 PM today. We will keep this page updated. If you have any non-urgent inquiries, please email us at [email protected] and we will respond as soon as we can. We apologize for any inconvenience.

02/03/2022

2/3/22 -- Due to inclement weather, CVCA Austin-Northwest will be closed today. We will keep this page updated. If you have any non-urgent inquiries, please email us at [email protected] and we will respond as soon as we can. We apologize for any inconvenience.

01/05/2022

Hey Zoe! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by Banfield Pet Hospital and last saw Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Zoe is seen here with Dr. Lindholm, bonding a little before the exam!

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/Q0118vF70!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.

12/29/2021

This is Gwyn! She was referred to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets by Bluebonnet Riverside Veterinary Clinic and last saw Julia Lindholm, DVM, Residency Trained in Cardiology.

Gwyn’s favorite activity is sleeping on the patio furniture and her favorite food is carrots! 🥕

To learn more about CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, visit us at https://hubs.li/Q0118vF-0!

CVCA Austin is located inside of Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.