Many dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) are given heart supplements for dogs, and I understand why owners are drawn to them. When a dog has a heart diagnosis, it is natural to want to do everything possible to help. However, I do not...
At Animal Cardiology Specialists of Nevada, our primary focus is your pet’s heart health — but overall wellness matters too. With Halloween around the corner, families are gearing up for costumes, candy, and decorations. While these traditions bring plenty of fun, they can also create...
When we hear about poor air quality, most of us think about coughing, sneezing, or irritated eyes. What is often overlooked is the effect that polluted air can have on the heart. Just like in people, poor air quality can create extra strain on both...
When it comes to monitoring our pets’ health, it’s easy to focus on obvious signs such as appetite, energy level, or weight. But one simple, often overlooked indicator can reveal a lot about your pet’s heart and respiratory health: their breathing rate while sleeping. Tracking...
Anyone who has traveled to or lived in a high-altitude area knows the air feels different. It is thinner, drier, and often harder to breathe. The same changes that people experience also affect dogs and cats, which is why understanding the connection between altitude and...
Heart disease is one of the most common health conditions we manage in aging dogs. Among the most frequent causes is myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), which gradually weakens one of the heart valves and can lead to congestive heart failure. Traditional treatments like pimobendan,...
When a beloved dog or cat is diagnosed with heart disease, the emotional impact can be just as significant as the physical symptoms. For many pet owners, the news brings not only concern for their animal’s health but also a deep emotional burden. The emotional...
Complex congenital heart diseases involve multiple defects occurring together, leading to severe circulatory disturbances that often require early intervention. These conditions typically result in cyanosis (blue-tinged gums), exercise intolerance, and right-to-left blood shunting, which reduces oxygen delivery to the body. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in Dogs What...
If you've ever noticed your dog tiring more quickly than usual or developing a swollen belly with no clear explanation, you might wonder if something more serious is going on beneath the surface. In some dogs, especially breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Boxers, these signs...
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in Dogs What is ASD? Atrial septal defects (ASD) in dogs are abnormal openings in the septum that separates the left and right atria. This allows oxygen-rich blood (from the left atrium) to mix with oxygen-poor blood (in the right atrium), increasing blood...