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Heart disease in pets often develops without any obvious warning signs, and by the time symptoms like coughing, exercise intolerance, or labored breathing appear, the condition may have already advanced significantly. Early detection through routine screening and prompt treatment can slow the progression of heart disease and add quality years to your pet’s life.
At Venetian Pet Hospital, we provide cardiac evaluation, diagnosis, and ongoing management for dogs, cats, and other companion animals in Stockton. Our team uses a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and compassionate care to monitor your pet’s heart health and intervene when it matters most.
Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!
Heart disease takes different forms depending on the species, breed, and age of your pet. In dogs, the most common form is myxomatous mitral valve disease, a progressive condition in which the heart’s mitral valve degenerates over time. Small and toy breeds are especially prone to this condition. In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most frequently diagnosed heart disease. According to a consensus statement from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has an estimated prevalence of approximately 15% in the general cat population, and in older cats, the prevalence may reach nearly 30%.
Some pets are born with structural heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, or ventricular septal defects. These congenital conditions may be detected during puppy or kitten wellness exams when a heart murmur is first identified. Acquired heart disease, on the other hand, develops over time and is more common in middle-aged to senior pets.
Many pets with heart disease remain asymptomatic in the early stages. Without screening, the disease quietly progresses until the heart can no longer compensate. Routine cardiac evaluation allows us to identify changes in heart size, rhythm, and function before your pet shows clinical signs, giving us the best opportunity to start treatment early.
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective heart care. Our hospital offers several diagnostic tools that allow us to evaluate your pet’s cardiovascular system thoroughly.
Together, these tools give us a comprehensive view of your pet’s heart health and help guide treatment decisions.
While most forms of heart disease in pets cannot be cured, they can often be managed effectively with the right combination of medication, dietary support, and monitoring. Treatment goals focus on slowing disease progression, managing symptoms like fluid buildup and coughing, maintaining your pet’s comfort and activity level, and preventing complications.
We develop individualized management plans based on your pet’s specific diagnosis and disease stage. Follow-up visits allow us to track changes over time and adjust medications as needed. Many pets with well-managed heart disease continue to enjoy a good quality of life for months or even years after diagnosis.
Our veterinary team is equipped to identify and manage heart disease across a wide range of species and breeds. Dr. Hanh Do’s background in internal medicine and Dr. Sam Varon’s interest in surgical services and end-of-life care mean your pet has access to both diagnostic depth and compassionate support at every stage. We’re a family-owned practice that treats your pet’s heart health with the seriousness and warmth it deserves.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, is showing signs of cardiac disease, or is due for a routine screening, we’re here to help. Contact Venetian Pet Hospital to schedule a cardiac evaluation for your pet.
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