Cardiology for Dogs and Cats in Nanaimo
Heart health is an important part of your pet’s overall wellbeing, and many cardiac conditions in dogs and cats can be monitored and managed effectively when identified early. Harewood Pet Hospital in Nanaimo offers in-clinic cardiac assessments including auscultation, heart murmur grading, blood pressure monitoring, and pre-anaesthetic cardiac screening for dogs and cats. For pets whose cardiac concerns require specialist-level evaluation, Harewood Pet Hospital coordinates access to visiting specialist cardiology consultations in-clinic. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Cardiac Auscultation and Murmur Grading in Nanaimo
Cardiac auscultation is the careful evaluation of heart sounds using a stethoscope, performed as part of every physical examination at Harewood Pet Hospital. Your veterinarian listens for abnormal sounds such as murmurs, arrhythmias, and changes in heart rate or rhythm that may indicate a cardiac concern worth monitoring or investigating further. When a heart murmur is identified, it is graded on a standardised scale from one to six based on its intensity. The grade, along with other clinical findings, helps determine whether additional evaluation is recommended and how urgently. Not all murmurs indicate serious disease, and not all pets with murmurs require immediate intervention. Dr. Mann explains findings clearly and advises on appropriate next steps based on the full clinical picture.
Blood Pressure Monitoring in Nanaimo
Elevated blood pressure is a concern that can accompany cardiac disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism in cats, and other conditions. Blood pressure monitoring is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed in-clinic during a regular appointment. It is particularly valuable as part of a senior wellness exam or when a pet has been identified as having a condition associated with cardiovascular risk. Harewood Pet Hospital includes blood pressure assessment as part of the cardiac evaluation process and as a component of senior health monitoring. Early identification of elevated blood pressure allows your veterinarian to discuss management options before secondary changes occur in the eyes, kidneys, or other organs. Blood pressure results are shared with you directly and explained in plain language at the time of the appointment.
Pre-Anaesthetic Cardiac Screening in Nanaimo
For any pet scheduled for a procedure requiring general anaesthesia, a pre-anaesthetic cardiac assessment is completed as a standard step at Harewood Pet Hospital. This includes auscultation of the heart and lungs, a physical examination, and blood work to evaluate overall health status. For pets with a known or suspected cardiac concern, additional screening may be recommended before proceeding. Pre-anaesthetic screening allows Dr. Mann to select the most appropriate anaesthetic protocol for your individual pet and to make informed decisions about whether to proceed, modify the approach, or refer for specialist evaluation first. The goal is always to ensure your pet's safety throughout the procedure.
Visiting Specialist Cardiology Consultations in Nanaimo
For pets requiring specialist-level cardiac assessment, Harewood Pet Hospital coordinates in-clinic visiting specialist cardiology consultations. These appointments allow your pet to receive specialist-level evaluation in a familiar clinic environment, without the stress of travelling to a referral centre. Your primary veterinarian remains involved in coordinating care and communicating results and next steps clearly to you after the consultation. Visiting specialist consultations are recommended when a cardiac finding warrants further characterisation, when echocardiography is indicated, or when the management of a known cardiac condition requires specialist input. Dr. Mann works closely with the consulting specialist to ensure continuity of care for your pet throughout the process.
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A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during auscultation that can indicate turbulent blood flow within the heart. Murmurs vary in significance depending on their grade, location, timing, and the overall clinical picture. Some murmurs are present from birth and never cause problems. Others are associated with progressive valve disease or other cardiac conditions. Harewood Pet Hospital will explain the grade and characteristics of the murmur found, discuss what monitoring is appropriate, and advise whether specialist evaluation is recommended.
Many cardiac conditions in dogs and cats do not cause obvious symptoms in their early stages, which is one reason regular wellness exams are valuable. When signs do appear, they may include reduced energy, exercise intolerance, coughing (particularly in dogs), rapid or laboured breathing, fainting, or a reduced appetite. These signs can also have non-cardiac causes, so a veterinary examination and appropriate assessment are needed to determine what is going on.
Not every murmur requires specialist evaluation, but some do. Whether specialist assessment is recommended depends on the murmur grade, the breed, the pet’s age, any symptoms present, and findings on chest X-rays and other assessments. Dr. Mann will advise you clearly on whether visiting specialist consultation is indicated and help you understand what information a specialist evaluation would provide. You are never pressured into a referral, and the reasoning is always explained.
If your dog or cat has been found to have a heart murmur or you have questions about cardiac health, contact Harewood Pet Hospital in Nanaimo. Dr. Mann provides clear, honest cardiac assessments and coordinates specialist consultations when needed. Call (250) 268-3133, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.