Heart disease is one of the most treatable chronic conditions in pets — if it’s caught and managed early. We diagnose with on-site cardiac ultrasound and ECG, then build a long-term plan that keeps your pet comfortable for years.
Heart disease in pets is more common than most owners realise — particularly in older small-breed dogs and certain cat breeds. The good news is that modern cardiology has transformed outcomes. Pets diagnosed early and managed properly often live for many years with excellent quality of life.
Common heart conditions in pets
Mitral valve disease
By far the most common heart condition in dogs — affecting roughly 75% of small-breed dogs by 10 years of age. Cavaliers, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Poodles and Dachshunds are particularly prone. The mitral valve thickens and leaks over time, eventually causing congestive heart failure if untreated. Early diagnosis (often picked up as a heart murmur on a routine check) and timely medication can significantly delay the onset of clinical signs.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
A condition where the heart muscle weakens and the chambers enlarge. Most common in larger breeds — Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Irish Wolfhounds. DCM may be silent for years before sudden signs appear, making proactive screening valuable in at-risk breeds.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats
The most common heart disease in cats — particularly Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Persians and British Shorthairs. HCM causes thickening of the heart muscle, leading to poor heart function. Cats often hide symptoms entirely until the disease is advanced, which is why we recommend cardiac screening for at-risk breeds.
Congenital heart defects
Heart abnormalities present from birth, often picked up as murmurs at a puppy or kitten’s first vaccination. Conditions like patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pulmonic stenosis or subaortic stenosis. Some can be surgically corrected; others need lifelong medical management.
Arrhythmias
Irregular heart rhythms — ranging from harmless to life-threatening. Diagnosed with ECG, sometimes requiring 24-hour Holter monitoring for intermittent rhythms.
Heart failure
The endpoint of many heart conditions if undiagnosed or under-treated — the heart can no longer pump efficiently and fluid backs up into the lungs (or abdomen, in some cases). Modern medication can manage heart failure well, often for years.
Signs of heart disease in pets
Early heart disease is often silent — which is why routine examinations matter so much. As disease progresses, watch for any of the following:
When to bring your pet in promptly
- Any episode of collapse or fainting
- Persistent or worsening cough, particularly at night
- Rapid or laboured breathing at rest (more than 30 breaths per minute when sleeping)
- Sudden hind-limb weakness or paralysis in cats — this can indicate a saddle thrombus, a cardiac emergency
- Blue or grey gum colour
- Severe lethargy combined with breathing changes
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How we diagnose heart disease
Heart disease can’t be diagnosed by listening alone. A heart murmur tells us something needs investigating, but the cause, severity and best treatment depend on proper imaging. We have on-site cardiac ultrasound capability and ECG — meaning most pets get a comprehensive workup at the practice rather than needing referral.
Auscultation
Careful listening with a stethoscope to detect murmurs, abnormal rhythms or breathing changes — the starting point for all cardiac investigation.
Cardiac ultrasound (echo)
Real-time imaging of the heart’s chambers, valves and blood flow. The single most valuable cardiac diagnostic test — available on-site.
ECG (electrocardiogram)
Recording of the heart’s electrical activity to diagnose arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities.
Chest X-rays
To assess heart size, lung field clarity and identify fluid build-up associated with heart failure.
Blood pressure measurement
Hypertension is increasingly recognised as a cardiac risk factor, particularly in cats with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.
Cardiac biomarkers
Blood tests like NT-proBNP help us identify early heart muscle stress and stratify which murmurs need imaging now versus monitoring.
Treatment & long-term management
Modern cardiac medication has transformed outcomes for pets with heart disease. We typically use combinations of:
- Pimobendan (Vetmedin) — the cornerstone of canine heart disease treatment. Significantly delays the onset of heart failure when started early.
- Diuretics (furosemide, spironolactone) — remove fluid build-up and reduce strain on the heart.
- ACE inhibitors — reduce blood pressure and remodel the heart over time.
- Anti-arrhythmic medications — for specific rhythm disturbances.
- Anticoagulants — particularly for cats with HCM, to reduce blood clot risk.
Alongside medication, we’ll work with you on weight management, gentle exercise plans, and home monitoring (resting respiratory rate is a particularly useful at-home measurement). Regular re-checks every 3–6 months allow us to adjust treatment as the disease progresses.
Transparent pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (15 min) | £39 |
| Extended Cardiac Consultation | £60 |
| Cardiac Ultrasound (echocardiography) | £250 |
| Chest X-rays (up to 5 views) | £400 |
| ECG / Blood pressure | POA |
| NT-proBNP cardiac biomarker test | POA |
Petplan direct claims supported. Companion Plan members receive consultations included plus 20% off medications — particularly valuable for chronic cardiac patients.
Heart disease is a marathon, not a sprint
Pets with heart disease need lifelong medication and regular re-checks. Companion Plan members get free consultations plus 20% off medications — for a pet on multiple cardiac drugs, that adds up to substantial savings every year.
Frequently asked questions
My vet heard a heart murmur — how serious is it?
It depends entirely on the cause and severity. Some murmurs are harmless (innocent murmurs in puppies, for example); others indicate significant disease that benefits from early treatment. The only way to know is a proper cardiac workup, usually starting with an ultrasound.
How long can a pet live with heart disease?
Many pets with heart disease, properly managed, live years rather than months. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels diagnosed with mitral valve disease early and treated with pimobendan often live well into their teens. Outcomes depend hugely on the specific disease, stage, and how well treatment is followed.
Is heart disease painful for my pet?
Heart disease itself is generally not painful, but advanced heart failure can be distressing — breathing difficulty, fluid build-up, and reduced exercise tolerance all reduce quality of life. The aim of treatment is to keep your pet comfortable and active for as long as possible.
What is “sleeping respiratory rate” and should I be measuring it?
Yes — counting your pet’s breaths while they’re asleep at home is one of the most useful monitoring tools we have. Normal is under 30 breaths per minute. A persistent rise is often the earliest sign of worsening heart disease — even before any visible symptoms.
Should I screen my breed-prone pet before symptoms appear?
For at-risk breeds (Cavaliers, Dobermans, Boxers, Maine Coons, Ragdolls), yes — particularly from middle age onwards. Screening lets us catch disease at the silent stage, when treatment makes the biggest difference.
Can heart disease be cured?
Most acquired heart disease can’t be cured, but it can often be very well managed. Some congenital defects can be surgically corrected. We’ll always be honest with you about prognosis and what realistic outcomes look like.
Worried about your pet’s heart?
On-site cardiac ultrasound. Honest advice. A long-term plan that keeps your pet comfortable.