Heart disease in pets
Heart disease is common, particularly in certain dog and cat breeds. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dobermanns, and Maine Coon cats have a hereditary predisposition to heart disease. Early medication can significantly extend your pet's lifespan — which is why regular cardiac check-ups are important, especially for at-risk breeds.
Examination methods
Our clinic offers comprehensive cardiological examination capabilities. Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) is the primary diagnostic method for heart disease — it shows heart structure, chamber size, valve function, and blood flow in real time. ECG examination measures the heart's electrical activity and identifies arrhythmias. Holter monitoring tracks heart rhythm over 24 hours in the home environment.
Official cardiac examinations
Our clinic holds official heart auscultation rights granted by the Finnish Kennel Club. We perform official cardiac auscultation and ultrasound examinations in connection with breeding evaluations. Official results are recorded in the Kennel Club database.
When to seek examination?
Symptoms may include coughing (especially at rest or after exertion), reduced exercise tolerance, rapid breathing, fainting, or sudden lethargy. For at-risk breeds, we recommend regular cardiac check-ups from a young age, even without symptoms. Book an appointment for a cardiac examination — early diagnosis and treatment make a significant difference.
Most common heart diseases in dogs and cats
In dogs, mitral valve disease (MMVD, myxomatous mitral valve degeneration) is the most common heart condition and affects particularly small breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund, and Poodle. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is typical of large breeds such as the Dobermann, Great Dane, and Boxer. In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease — it often progresses silently, and the first sign may be a sudden severe problem such as a blood clot or acute heart failure. That is why regular cardiac examinations are important, especially for at-risk breeds.
Medication and follow-up
When heart disease is diagnosed, the right medication and regular follow-up are essential. Pimobendan, ACE inhibitors, diuretics (furosemide, torasemide), and beta blockers are commonly used in treatment. Each pet gets an individual treatment plan based on the type and stage of the heart disease. Follow-up usually includes a cardiac ultrasound, blood pressure measurement, blood tests (kidney values, electrolytes), and sometimes a chest X-ray. The follow-up interval depends on the stage of the disease — typically around every 12 months once the patient is stable.
Home care and quality of life
Home care plays an important role in the treatment of heart disease. It is good to monitor resting respiratory rate (normal is below 30 breaths per minute when asleep), exercise tolerance, appetite, and energy levels. Medications must be given consistently at the same times. Exercise should be kept moderate — strenuous activity is to be avoided, but gentle walks are good. A special cardiac diet can support treatment. With proper treatment, many pets with heart disease can live good-quality lives for years after diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions about cardiac examinations
How often are cardiac examinations performed? For at-risk breeds, we recommend the first cardiac examination at 1–2 years of age and annually thereafter. For asymptomatic pets, a check-up during the senior examination is usually sufficient. If your pet has been diagnosed with heart disease, the follow-up interval is agreed individually — typically every 3–12 months. Is sedation needed for cardiac examination? Cardiac ultrasound is usually performed on an awake patient without sedation. The examination is painless and takes approximately 15–30 minutes. Restless patients may receive light sedation that does not affect the examination results.