Cardiology

Cardiology tests

Echocardiography is also known as ultrasound (echoscopic) examination of the heart. It checks the function of the heart muscle (myocardium), the valves, the blood flow in the main blood vessels, and the pressures in the heart chambers. This test can help to identify existing heart pathologies. With our new ultrasound machine, we can also predict whether the animal will develop heart disease in the future, which is particularly important for large breed dogs. The test is carried out with the patient lying on his/her side, it is not painful and no anaesthesia is administered to the patient for the procedure. The average duration of the test is 10 to 15 minutes. 
If the examination is performed on a cat, it is strongly recommended that the cat is prepared for the examination by administering a stress-relieving capsule 2-3 hours before arrival at the clinic, so that the cat can lie still during the examination. The product is not dangerous to health. If you have any further questions, please call or visit the clinic and the clinic staff will explain in more detail how it works.

We recommend the following echocardiographic examination: 

• All dogs and cats with heart murmurs
• Dogs and cats with coughing or shortness of breath during exercise and at rest
• Intolerance to physical activity or decrease in physical activity
• Loss of consciousness
• Increase in abdominal volume
• Swelling or paralysis of the limbs
• Preventive test to obtain a certificate for heart health

It is also recommended to perform an echocardiogram every 1-2 years in pedigree cats that have a genetic predisposition to heart disease. However, it is not uncommon for crossbreeds to be affected.  The following breeds are most prone: 

• British Shorthairs
• Scottish Shorthairs and Folds
• Sphynx
• Bengal cats 
• Maine Coons
• Persian
• Ragdolls

Electrocardiography (ECG) is a test that records the heart rhythm (the electrical impulses of the heart) while the patient is in the clinic. The test is useful to detect abnormalities in the heart rhythm quickly and cheaply. It is useful for assessing the heart rhythm before general anaesthesia (anaesthesia or planned surgery). 

Holter monitoring 

A test that examines the heart rhythm (in the same way as electrocardiography), but with Holter, the heart rhythm is measured 24 hours a day for up to 7 days a week (i.e. it can be measured for 7 consecutive days). 
This test is performed in patients who experience occasional loss of consciousness and want to see what the heart rate is like outside the clinic. 
Holter monitoring is also necessary for preventive tests in breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds. 
Doberman Pinschers have their own specific heart disease - Doberman Cardiomyopathy. This disease affects 58% of European Dobermans. The earliest signs of the disease can be detected as early as 24 to 36 months of age. Early diagnosis is important, because if the disease is detected in time, we can save the patient more time. The main symptoms of the disease are sudden onset of breathlessness/coughing (due to heart failure) or sudden death (due to abnormal heart rhythm). Echocardiography is performed for the prevention of heart failure and Holter monitoring for the risk of sudden death.
It is recommended that Dobermans are screened for this disease every 12 months from 24 months of age by echocardiography and Holter monitoring. German Boxers are predisposed to right ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. This is a disease very similar to Doberman cardiomyopathy, which can result in both heart failure and sudden death due to abnormal heart rhythms. It is recommended that Boxers are checked from 12 months of age. 

Diagnosis of the lower respiratory tract

Performed in patients with symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, difficulty or difficulty in breathing. 
This diagnosis includes: 

• Chest X-ray
• Chest echocardiography
• Tracheobronchoscopy
• Bronchoalveolar lavage

It is recommended that you consult your doctor about the prescription of these tests.