CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

04/18/2023

We're thrilled to welcome Petcardia Veterinary Cardiology in Colorado to the CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets family! 🎉

Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q01L-WF70

03/25/2023

Join SVP and CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets today at the Fetch dvm360 Conference in Charlotte, NC! 🎉 Come visit booths #408 and #410 to learn about exciting career opportunities, partnerships, veterinary cardiology, and more! Don't miss out on this paw-some chance to connect with us.

03/21/2023

The Louisville office attended the Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows 2023!

Dr.Sarah Bell, DVM, MS, DACVIM also did a breed screening clinic on various breeds in order to be certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Certain breeds such as Dobermans and Boxers are required to be screened by a board-certified cardiologist prior to breeding. Getting yearly scans helps identify early changes in the heart especially in breeds that are prone to heart disease.

We love being able to help educate people and seeing all the adorable dogs! Be sure to stop by our booth at the Cluster in 2024!

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q01HJYJ10!

CVCA Louisville is located inside .

02/14/2023

Vienna, VA

02/13/2023

Photos from CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets's post

01/26/2023

This sweet, snaggle-toothed boy is Beau! Our Cary, NC team recently met Beau after he was referred to us by Hidden Valley Animal Hospital. Ashley Sharpe, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) checked him out and we'll make sure he is as heart-healthy as possible!

Beau's mom told us that he used to have a matching snaggle tooth on the other side of his mouth, but unfortunately it fell out at home! Beau came to see us to make sure his heart is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia for some dental work. We look forward to seeing Beau's toothy smile soon at his recheck appointment.

To learn more about the cardiac care we provide at CVCA, visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q01z55DF0!

CVCA Cary is located near Bluepearl Pet Hospital.

01/25/2023

Thor, a Cane Corso puppy came to visit Sarah Bell, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology) and staff after his veterinarian at Dixie Animal Hospital diagnosed him with a Grade 4 heart murmur. Heart murmurs are graded on a scale of 1-6, with a 6 being the "loudest".

After performing the Echocardiogram, Dr. Bell diagnosed Thor with a congenital heart defect called subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). Subaortic Stenosis consists of abnormal tissue located just below the aortic valve that creates an obstruction the heart has to overcome to pump blood out to the body.Stenosis makes the heart work harder than normal. As a result, the heart muscle can become thickened (hypertrophied).

This condition is often identified in large and giant breed dogs such as the Newfoundland, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, English Bulldog, Great Dane, German Short-haired Pointer, and Bouvier des Flandres. It is reported in many other purebreds as well as mixed breeds of dogs.

Dr. Bell will work closely with Thor's primary care veterinarian to monitor his heart condition. Thor will come in for a recheck echocardiogram in 12 months to make sure the medication we prescribed is helping.

Thor was such a good boy for his visit with us!

To learn more about Congenital Heart Defects and Subaortic Stenosis, visit https://hubs.li/Q01z2GX80

12/28/2022

We are happy to help! ❤️

12/01/2022

Oregon Clients: Did you know The Oregon Humane Society helped save, shelter, feed, and care for 492,153 animals lost and abandoned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the California wildfires, Hurricane Ian, and the war in Ukraine this year alone?

CVCA Portland would like to invite our community to be a part of our donation drive to help support our cat and dog friends.

Recommended donations to The Oregon Humane Society include:
*Food - dry or wet
*Pet Supplies
*Litter
*Pet Toys
*Cash or Check

The donation drive will be from December 1st - December 30th. There will be a donation box at both of our locations. Help us make a difference this holiday season! 🎉

If you live in other areas, please consider donating to your local humane society or animal rescue this holiday season: https://hubs.li/Q01tNprf0

Yoda (as seen below) says thank you for you support, woof! ❤️

11/18/2022

We have near-term appointments available at CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets in Cary, NC! Visit our location page for details and to schedule an appointment: https://hubs.li/Q01sGKF_0

11/05/2022

We're at the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association conference from 7-1:30 today! If you're here in Raleigh, visit us in booth #409 to win a gift card, snag some swag, and to learn more about the newest cardiology practice in the Raleigh area!

11/04/2022

We're at the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association conference this weekend! If you're here in Raleigh, visit us in booth #409 for some goodies and to learn more about the newest cardiology practice in the Raleigh area!

10/19/2022

As Halloween approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the decorations, the costumes, and the stocking up of candy. But let’s not forget our furry friends as they scamper at our feet while we’re carving pumpkins and hanging skeletons from the staircase.

1. Keep candy out of reach as they can be VERY dangerous for your furry friends. Treats such as: raisins, chocolate, candy corn, xylitol (check all labels to ensure the peanut butter is xylitol-free).

Signs of toxicity: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, shaking, hyperactivity, extreme thirst, panting.

2. Make sure those cute costumes fit comfortably and doesn't restrict your pet's ability to move, smell, breathe or make vocal sounds. They should be able to jump as usual.
Avoid anything with straps or small accessories that can't pose as a chocking hazard or get them trapped. Also, stay clear of pet costumes or headpieces that contain glowing liquid. If your pet chews its glow-in-the-dark headpiece, the bright fluid can leak, leading to mouth irritation, vomiting, and salivation.

3. Protect from Halloween decorations: candles, electric cords, fog machines, glow sticks, jewelry, small decorative items, rotting pumpkins.

4. Keep anxious pets calm.

Signs of anxiety: pacing and shaking, hiding, running away, panting or elevated heart rate; gastrointestinal issues, unusual behaviors, sudden shedding, hypervigilance.

5. Keep pets identifiable. Losing your pet on such a busy night of the year can be scary. Take all necessary measures to ensure your pet will easily be found if they escape. Proper identification, microchipping, and GPS dog collars all provide steps to help you bring your pet home safely. Ensure that your ID tag details are up to date so that your pet can return home safely if they do end up losing their way home.

As exciting as this spooky holiday is, protecting your pet is worth the effort. Your pet may happily partake in festivities if they’ve been properly socialized from a young age, but older or more anxious pets need our protection.

CVCA Portland (pictured here) is wishing you a safe and spooky holiday season! 🎃

CVCA Portland-Milwaukie is located inside Veterinary Cancer & Surgery Specialists.

10/18/2022

We're so proud of Taryn, a team member at CVCA Richmond!

We want to extend special recognition to Taryn P., a CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets veterinary assistant who saved a patient's life earlier this year. Taryn recently completed her Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster, and she's excited to take her VTNE in November!

When patients come in for cardiology appointments, generally, they are stable and healthy enough to complete an echocardiogram or other diagnostic. However, on rare occasions, it is determined that the patient is unstable. At that time, they are transferred to the ER for continued care. Earlier this year, this occurred with "Johnny" (patient name changed upon owner request).

Johnny was referred to CVCA to evaluate his previously diagnosed atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy. CVCA's staff uses best practices to ease pet anxieties, but despite the team's best efforts that day, Johnny became distressed and collapsed. Dr. Peiffer examined Johnny and did not hear a heartbeat. Immediately, Taryn sprung into action and jumped on the exam table to start chest compressions. Working with her fellow veterinary assistant Kay L., Taryn continued to do chest compressions while running to the ER. Taryn tirelessly performed CPR until Johnny was revived, at which point she, along with the CVCA team and ER staff, continued to care for Johnny. The team placed an IV catheter, gave Johnny medications to help stabilize him, and performed an ECG to evaluate his heart rhythm. In 15 - 20 minutes, Johnny could stand on his own. The team determined that Johnny was stable enough to leave the ER and return to his mom - quite the miraculous recovery!

10/05/2022

Photos from American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)'s post

10/03/2022

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets in Cary, NC is open TODAY! Meet our team and learn more about our new location: https://hubs.li/Q01nPZ5c0

09/23/2022

Come visit CVCA at , booth 820! We’ll be in the exhibitor hall today and tomorrow — get your trivia question answered, your scavenger hunt code scanned, and some CVCA goodies and information!

09/16/2022

This precious boy is Jinx! He was referred to our Austin-Northwest location by Highway 79 Animal Clinic and recently saw us for the second time to monitor his degenerative valve disease.

After seeing Dr. Julia Lindholm, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for a recheck exam and echocardiogram, we found that Jinx's cardiac disease has had some improvement!

Degenerative Valve Disease is the most common acquired heart disease in dogs, with the mitral valve being the most commonly affected valve (although any heart valve can be affected). With degeneration, the valve leaflets become thickened and irregular. This results in regurgitation (backward flow) of blood from the left ventricle into the top chamber (left atrium). This can cause the pressure in the left side of the heart to be elevated over time, causing left atrial and ventricular enlargement.

We had prescribed medication at his first visit to help his heart's pumping function, and we saw today the benefits the medication has had, with some improvement in his left ventricular enlargement. He had moderate enlargement when we first saw him, and today has mild enlargement. We were very happy to relay the good news, and Jinx will continue his cardiac medications and recheck echocardiograms to carry on feeling the best that he can!

To learn more about CVCA and degenerative valve disease, please visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-nsl0

09/14/2022

Meet Lila! She was referred to our Columbia, MD location by Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital and recently visited us to monitor her heart disease

After seeing Jesse Miller, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Lila is doing great!

We first saw Lila in January and diagnosed her with a mild form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle). This is the most common form of heart disease we see in cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is caused by a variety of genetic abnormalities of the cardiac muscle proteins.

Lila continues to do well and received a great cardiac report from Dr. Miller in June. She still does not need any cardiac medications for her condition and we will continue to periodically monitor her.

Lila loves to ride in her kitty stroller. Dr. Miller had the pleasure of wheeling her around the clinic!

To learn more about CVCA and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-kx70

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

08/22/2022

Happy take your cat to the vet day! While we hope your feline friend is perfectly fine, be on the lookout for these 10 potential signs of heart disease and bring your cat in to your primary care vet if you notice them: https://hubs.li/Q01kD2BS0

08/08/2022

Do you have experience as a veterinary assistant or technician? The next step in your veterinary career is waiting for you! Meet our hiring manager starting tomorrow at our two-day event and learn more about our newest location in Cary, North Carolina OR our positions in Austin, Texas!

Sign up now: https://hubs.li/Q01jmJpq0

08/05/2022

Do you have experience as a veterinary assistant or technician? The next step in your veterinary career is waiting for you! Meet our hiring manager at our two-day event and learn more about our newest location in Cary, North Carolina OR our positions in Austin, Texas!

Sign up today: https://hubs.li/Q01jmPF00

07/30/2022

Free CE Day with Lone Star Veterinary Academy is TOMORROW! Don't miss your 6 hours of free, virtual CE from a host of veterinary experts -- including our own Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)! Register before it's too late: https://hubs.li/Q01hjSL20

07/25/2022

Edit: While we appreciate and encourage healthy discussion, we have limited comments to ensure the spread of accurate, verified veterinary information!

Tucky Lane, a very happy, absolutely adorable 5 year old goldendoodle, presented for coughing, panting, heavy breathing and decreased appetite. Tucky was referred to our Lousiville location by his veterinarian at Skipworth Veterinary Clinic after his X-ray showed an enlarged heart.

After being evaluated by Sarah Bell DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology), the echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) showed that Tucky had a disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), caused by eating a grain free diet.

In July of 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an investigation of grain-free, dog food diets and a common type of canine heart disease –
DCM is a 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).

Tucky's owners were devastated to learn that the expensive, perceived high-quality dog food, caused their dog to have a life-threatening heart condition.

Diets by Hill’s, Royal Canin, Purina, Iams, or Eukanuba are typically reliable sources of excellent nutrition for dogs. These companies both meet AAFCO feeding requirements and perform feeding trials to ensure nutritional adequacy. But as always, we recommend talking to a veterinary nutritionist or your primary care veterinarian about your pet's dietary needs!

To learn more about DCM and Grain free diets visit the link on our website: https://hubs.ly/Q01hjQJW0

CVCA Louisville is located inside BluePearl Veterinary Partners.

07/24/2022

Have you registered for Lone Star Veterinary Academy's Free CE Day yet? Get 6 hours of free, virtual CE from a host of veterinary experts -- including our own Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)! Don't miss it: https://hubs.li/Q01hjTPh0

07/21/2022

Our Louisville office had a fun team building day at Smash Lab Louisville to kick off the weekend and release some stress in a healthy but most importantly FUN way! What better way to let off steam than to smash stuff?! Dr. Sarah Bell and the veterinary staff did just that! No printer, TV, or Santa glass was safe in their presence.

Team building activities are a fun way to bring the staff together. Our doctors and technical staff work hard and endlessly to make sure our clients and patients are receiving the best care possible -- and we work hard to maintain our team environment!

Want to join an incredible team like this one? Visit our website to see the available jobs in your area: https://hubs.li/Q01hjQRt0

07/14/2022

Join us on Sunday, July 31st, for Free CE Day with Lone Star Veterinary Academy! Get 6 hours of free, virtual CE from a host of veterinary experts -- including our own Sara Beth Bordelon, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)! Register today: https://hubs.li/Q01gSKW10

07/11/2022

This is Jaxxson! He was referred by Shady Grove Animal Clinic and recently visited our Richmond office to evaluate a long standing heart murmur.

After seeing Dr. Jess Weidman, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Jaxxon has degenerative valve disease and systemic hypertension.

Mitral or tricuspid valve regurgitation are both types of valve disease that are common causes of heart murmurs. Over time the valve/s develop abnormalities along its edges and this causes blood flow to become turbulent, creating the murmur sound. The disease is degenerative because it is slowly progressive. Systemic hypertension is also known as high blood pressure.

We have recommended a treatment plan for Jaxxon and will work with his parents and primary care veterinarian to keep him happy and healthy!

To learn more about CVCA and systemic hypertension visit https://hubs.li/Q01gx_xX0 .

CVCA Richmond is located inside BluePearl Pet Hospital Richmond.

07/04/2022

Reminder that we are closed today to allow our staff and doctors time to enjoy the 4th of July festivities! Below are some specific summer holiday safety issues to help keep your pawed-pals calm and happy today!

Heat - Your canine companion has to work hard to maintain body temperature. They do this by panting and through specialized sweat glands on the pads of their feet. The best way to keep them cool is to keep them out of the sun and well hydrated. Make sure you always have water on hand for your dog and keep water bowls from direct sunlight.

Water - If you’re planning a day at the beach or lake, know your dog’s swimming ability. Not all breeds are natural swimmers. Even frolicking in the waves could be hazardous. When pooches ingest saltwater through too much exposure, it can lead to electrolyte imbalances and possible seizures. If you’re on a boat, it’s recommended that your dog have a personal flotation device too.

Sun - Dog fur does a pretty good job of protecting their skin from the sun, but shorthaired breeds can still be susceptible to skin damage. Sunscreen can help you protect your pup from UV rays, but make sure you choose one made specifically for dogs. Some ingredients in human sunscreen, like zinc oxide, are toxic to canines, largely leading to unpleasantness like vomiting.

While your feline friends should always be inside, pups are full of energy and like a romp in the great outdoors. The loud chaos surrounding our patriotic celebration can lead nervous pets to escape, break leads and run away to find shelter. The Fourth of July holiday is notorious for being the top time of year for lost and runaway pets. Because of this, many veterinarians suggest keeping your dog inside at all times (minus potty breaks, of course) during the holiday. Not just at night when the fireworks are the loudest. If your cat is allowed outdoors, it would be good to bring them in as well. The indoors will most likely be the safest and most comfortable place for your pets.

In the end, if you can go without watching fireworks yourself, your pet would probably appreciate your companionship during this stressful time. Nothing helps more than some kindness and lots of TLC.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday! ❤️💙