What Your Veterinarian Will Do
How is a heart problem diagnosed?
It is important for you and your dog to make regular visits to the veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment will ensure your dog leads a happier, healthier, and longer life. Your veterinarian will follow a series of key steps and use some of the latest diagnostic tools to distinguish heart disease from respiratory problems.
1. Clinical history - The veterinarian will need to know the age, breed, and medical history of your dog. He/she will evaluate the onset and type of cough and may ask about:
- Changes in attitude, behaviour, and activity level
- Changes in breathing
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Sleeping habits
- Previous evidence of heart disease
- Previous treatment history
2. Physical examination - A thorough physical examination will provide your veterinarian with clues as to whether your dog has any heart-related problems. He/she will evaluate:
- Weight and body condition
- Breathing rates
- Heart rates
- Pulse rates
- Skin or tissue abnormalities
- Abdominal shape
3. Listening to your dog’s heart and lungs - A stethoscope will allow your veterinarian to determine if a heart murmur is present. (Appreciate that not all murmurs are easily heard.) Also, the heart rate and rhythm can be assessed with a stethoscope to determine if there is an irregular heartbeat. He/she can listen to the lungs to detect abnormal sounds.
4. X-rays - Technically known as radiographs, an x-ray can help the veterinarian evaluate the size and shape of the heart and assess the severity of your dog's heart disease.
5. Additional tests:
- Blood testing for a cardiac biomarker called NT-proBNP, as well as a chemistry and complete blood count (CBC) analysis to assess your dog’s cardiovascular health
- A blood pressure test
- An ECG (electrocardiograph)
- An echocardiogram
