Veterinary cardiology is no longer a part of internal medicine – it is a separate and fast developing discipline. Heart disease in dogs and cats is unfortunately quite common. We know that one in ten dogs suffers from some form of a heart disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the most common feline heart disease) affects about 15 % of cats.
Heart diseases vary depending on severity from mild heart changes that do not require any treatment and do not pose any risk on the animal to severe conditions that require intensive and often long-term therapy and can significantly shorten the patient’s life. Fortunately, we can improve our patients’ quality of life and prolong their life thanks to our top-of-the-range diagnostic equipment and a wide variety of treatment options available. In some cases, heart disease can be cured.
Your vet can recommend a cardiology referral for cases that would benefit from seeing somebody with more qualifications and experience within their field and specialist diagnostic equipment.
Reasons for cardiology referral can be heart murmur, breathing difficulties, cough, collapse, exercise intolerance, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), ‘enlarged’ heart, congenital and acquired heart diseases and heart failure. We also offer cardiac examination prior to anaesthesia or on owners’ request and full cardiac examination prior to breeding (heart screening).
What happens at my cardiology appointment?
We provide all cardiac examinations at your local practice. There is therefore no need for you and your pet to travel long distances to referral hospitals for further investigations. Travelling can be very stressful especially for cardiac patients and in many cases can result in deterioration of their condition. Mobile service also improves continuity of the pet’s care because they continue to be looked after by your primary vet.
Based in Prague, we are able to travel to any veterinary practice in the Czech Republic, ideally equipped with an x-ray machine.
Your first appointment with us will be booked by your primary vet – either based on his/her recommendation or your request. The first appointment includes detailed history taking and clinical examination of your pet (30-60 minutes altogether). After that we will discuss diagnostic tests suitable for your pet (e.g. heart scan – Doppler echocardiography, ECG, chest x-rays). In most cases, none of these tests require sedation or anaesthesia and you can stay with your pet throughout the whole appointment. It is necessary to clip a little bit of hair in your dogs armpits and around the belly button (extremely short-haired bets do not have to be clipped). If Holter monitor (24-hour ECG) is required, the clipped area on both sides of the chest has to be slightly extended. All of the tests are non-invasive and pain free and because they are performed in a comfortable and quiet environment, some patients even fall asleep during their heart scan.
Once all the necessary tests have been performed, we will explain your pet’s diagnosis in detail, recommend any potential therapy and further plan. We will also answer all your questions you might have regarding your pet’s care. A written report will be emailed to you and your vet after the appointment. Any follow-up appointments are also performed at your primary practice – either at KardioVet or by your vet depending on your preferences.
Do I have to starve my dog/cat prior to the appointment?
Yes. Please do not feed your pet after 10pm the night before the consultation. You do not have to restrict water. Even though sedation/anaesthesia is not necessary in most cases, full stomach might affect some of the blood results.
Shall I give my dog/cat their medications as normal the morning of the consultation?
Yes. Please give all the medications as normal unless advised otherwise. Medications can be given with a small treat even though your pet will be otherwise fasted. Please bring all your pet’s medications with you to the appointment.
How long does the cardiology referral take?
The key to correct diagnosis and successful therapy is detailed history taking, diagnostic tests and explanation of all results and treatment. For that reason, please book around 3-4 hours of your time for your cardiology referral. Screening of dogs and cats without any clinical signs is often shorter.
How much does the cardiology referral cost?
Your primary vet will give you a rough estimate of the cost, you will receive a detailed estimate once your pet has been examined by the cardiologist (prior to further diagnostic tests). You will receive an invoice at your primary practice on the day of the referral. If your dog/cat is insured, please inform your primary vet when booking your appointment.
What shall I prepare for my cardiology referral?
If at all possible, please count the sleeping breathing rate of your pet (ideally when not too hot or not dreaming). This parameter is very important for further diagnostics and treatment. Instructions on how to check your dog’s or cat’s respiratory rate can be found here. It is very important that your pet is accompanied to the appointment by that owner who is most familiar with their clinical history.
What are the restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Your pet can be accompanied by only one adult owner. It is necessary to cover your nose and mouth with FFP2 respirator for the whole duration of the appointment and to sanitise your hands before entering the practice. If you or anybody from the same household experience any signs attributable to Covid infection or if you are not feeling well, please call us immediately and we will re-book your appointment at no extra cost. Please be considerate to our staff, we are trying to protect both our and your health.