Traveling-Heart-Vet-LLC

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FAQs

 
  • FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We perform non-invasive tests such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, Holter monitors, and thoracic radiographs (chest x-rays) in order to diagnose various types of heart disease.   We manage various types of heart conditions, including age-related chronic valve disease, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension and signs such as trouble breathing, cough, fainting, exercise intolerance.

Depending on your pet’s specific need, therapies may include injections, oral medications, or fluid removal.

All appointments are scheduled through your veterinarian. Please contact your primary veterinarian to schedule an appointment with us.

We currently travel to many parts of New Jersey, and are in the process of expanding to other locations.

We offer different types of cardiology appointments, so this depends on what is available through your veterinarian. In order to provide the best possible treatment plan for your pet, we always request detailed information about any signs your pet is having at home. For this reason we ask that you please fill out the patient history forms prior to your appointment.

For referring veterinarians: Please contact us through our website, by email, or phone to set up cardiology services for your hospital.

Many pets are at least somewhat stressed going to the vet. We do absolutely everything we can to minimize this stress and to make your pets feel loved and safe. Diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, Holter monitors, and chest x-rays are non-invasive and not painful.

If your pet is ever experiencing trouble breathing, distress, inability to sleep/rest comfortably, he or she should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away. Trouble breathing is an emergency, and it is recommended to go to your nearest emergency hospital.

Signs of heart disease in cats

  • Trouble breathing:   breathing rate may be faster, breaths may appear heavier, deeper, or more exaggerated.  Some cats with trouble breathing may breathe at a normal rate, but each breath appears to be a deep sigh.
  • Restlessness (accompanied by change in breathing) – inability to sleep or rest comfortably
  • Collapse or fainting
  • Exercise intolerance:  In a cat this can be transient heavier breathing after exertion, such as playing or jumping up on furniture, or stopping to lie down after taking a few steps
  • Cough is rarely a sign of heart disease in cats (it is more commonly due to asthma or other respiratory diseases), however some cats can cough with heart disease
  • Sudden paralysis or inability to use hind limbs or a forelimb
  • Behavior change:  Although this is not specific for heart disease (it can be a sign of any other illness in a cat), when cats do not feel well they may hide or sleep in unusual places, not greet you at the normal times, or be less affectionate.  Since cats are very good at hiding how they feel, it is important to have a cat evaluated when they are not acting like themselves.
Please note:
  • Some of these signs can also occur with other disease processes.  A cardiac evaluation can determine if these signs are heart-related or not.
  • Cats can also have heart disease without having any obvious signs at all.
  • Trouble breathing is an emergency; cats with trouble breathing should go to their nearest emergency hospital. 

Signs of heart disease in dogs

  • Trouble breathing: breathing rate may be faster, breaths may appear heavier, deeper, or more exaggerated
  • Cough: new cough, increase in frequency of cough, or change in sound of cough
  • Collapse or fainting
  • Exercise intolerance: getting winded or out of breath with normal activity, or not tolerating normal walks
  • Restlessness (accompanied by change in breathing):  inability to sleep or rest comfortably
Please note:
  • Some of these signs can also occur with other disease processes.  A cardiac evaluation can determine if these signs are heart-related or not.
  • Dogs can also have heart disease without having any obvious signs at all.
  • Trouble breathing is an emergency; dogs with trouble breathing should go to their nearest emergency hospital.