27 Sep A Glossary for Pet Owners: Understanding Veterinary Cardiology Terms
If you are not in the veterinary field, the terms veterinarians use can sometimes be confusing and overwhelm pet owners. At Animal Cardiology Specialists of Nevada, we understand that learning veterinary terminology is not high on many pet owners’ to-do lists. Knowing this, we have compiled a list of veterinary terms for pet owners so you can better understand us as we examine your pets.
Veterinary Cardiology Terms
1. Arrhythmia
An abnormal heart rhythm, either too fast, too slow, or irregular. It can affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood.
2. Auscultation
The act of listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Vets use this technique to detect murmurs, arrhythmias, and other abnormal heart sounds.
3. Bradycardia
A slower than normal heart rate. In pets, this can be a sign of underlying heart disease or a side effect of medications.
4. Tachycardia
A faster than normal heart rate, which can occur due to stress, excitement, or heart disease. It’s often detected through an ECG or auscultation.
5. Cardiac Cachexia
A severe weight loss that occurs in pets with advanced heart disease, often despite a good appetite. It’s caused by metabolic changes due to heart failure.
6. Cardiomyopathy
A disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood effectively. Common types include dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
7. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or abdomen (ascites). Signs in pets include coughing, difficulty breathing, and weakness.
8. Diuretics
Medications that help remove excess fluid from the body by increasing urine production. They are often used in pets with congestive heart failure to reduce fluid buildup.
9. Echocardiogram (Echo)
An ultrasound of the heart used to visualize its structure and function. It helps diagnose conditions like valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital defects.
10. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
A test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to diagnose arrhythmias and monitor heart rate.
11. Heart Murmur
An abnormal sound heard during auscultation, often caused by turbulent blood flow. Murmurs can indicate issues such as valve disease, congenital defects, or changes in the heart’s structure.
12. Pulmonary Edema
Fluid accumulation in the lungs, often associated with congestive heart failure. It can cause coughing, labored breathing, and lethargy in pets.
13. Syncope
A temporary loss of consciousness (fainting) often caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. In pets, syncope can be a sign of arrhythmias or other heart conditions.
14. Breathing Rate (Respiratory Rate)
The number of breaths a pet takes per minute. A normal resting breathing rate for dogs and cats is usually between 15-30 breaths per minute. A higher breathing rate at rest, especially above 40 breaths per minute, can be a sign of heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure or respiratory distress. Monitoring your pet’s resting breathing rate at home can help detect early signs of heart failure, especially if your pet has been diagnosed with a heart condition.
15. Heart Rate
The number of times the heart beats per minute. A normal heart rate for dogs can range from 60-160 beats per minute, depending on their size and age, while for cats, it typically falls between 140-220 beats per minute. Abnormal heart rates, such as bradycardia (too slow) or tachycardia (too fast), may indicate an underlying heart condition. Tracking heart rate alongside respiratory rate can give a more complete picture of your pet’s heart health.
Animal Cardiology Specialists of Nevada Care About You and Your Pets
These are the most common terms you will hear at your pet’s cardiology appointment. At Animal Cardiology Specialists of Nevada, we care about you just as much as your pet and hope this will help clarify animal cardiology terminology you may hear. If you have further questions, contact us to learn more about veterinary cardiology terms or to schedule an appointment for your furry friend.
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