Heart disease in dogs and cats

Cardiovascular disease is a significant area of concern in general practice. Common types of conditions include myxomatous mitral valve disease (“leaky” valves), cardiomyopathies (diseases affecting the heart muscle), arrhythmias (irregular heart beats) and congenital anomalies causing various types of cardiovascular dysfunction.

Indications for cardiac focused clinical investigation include:

Indications for cardiac focused clinical investigation include:

  • Asymptomatic heart murmur

  • Exercise intolerance

  • Pre-syncope or syncopal events (weakness and fainting)

  • Fast and/or laboured breathing (tachypnoea and dyspnoea)

  • Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

  • Sudden weight gain with evident loss of muscle mass (e.g. muscle wasting with abdominal distension due to fluid accumulation)

  • Swelling of the limbs (peripheral oedema)

  • Pale mucous membranes indicating poor perfusion, or bluish discoloration indicating impaired oxygenation

  • Coughing, although this clinical sign can be associated with respiratory disease

  •  Breed predisposition

  •   Family history of heart disease

  • Elevated blood levels of cardiac biomarkers (NT Pro BNP, CTnI)

  • “Rajka has been providing mobile cardiology service to our practice for over 2 years. She is combining a high level of expertise with a friendly and compassionate approach to her patients. Our clients consistently appreciate the time she takes to explain her findings and answer their questions, and her support has been greatly valued by both our team and our patients.” 

    Douglas Hall, BVSc, MRCVS, practice owner. Cape Veterinary Clinic


  • “We have worked closely with Rajka over the last couple of years in attendance to our more complicated cardiac patients at our clinic – she attends quickly and reliably, and our clients have been delighted with every aspect of the service she provides. We would thoroughly recommend her services” 

    Chris Gray, MRCVS, Practice Owner. The Guildford Vet

  • “Rajka is fantastic, she is so passionate about cardiology and accompanied by a breadth of knowledge. She has helped many patients who have benefited from Rajka's expertise and would recommend her services to anyone.”

    Dr Hayley Woods, MRCVS. Pet Practice.

  • “Rajka has been an invaluable addition to Heath Vets over the last year, delivering referral-level cardiac ultrasound services with professionalism and warmth. She is approachable, thorough, and always takes the time to support and reassure our clients. A true asset to our team.”

    Sarah Solomon, RVN. Practice Owner. Heath Vets

  • “Rajka has always been very happy to help with our cardiology cases, whether we have needed advice or further work-up. She provides a great service, is approachable and knowledgeable, and is a pleasure to work with. I’d happily recommend her to other practices looking for cardiology support.”

    Courtney Weaver-Ennis BVetMed CVLM(Fin) MRCVS, director. Vets Kinic


  • “We have used Rajka's services on several occasions to provide cardiology service. She is a dedicated veterinary surgeon who treats every patient with compassion, care, and professionalism. Her thorough assessments provide us with detailed evaluations of each patient's condition, together with clear recommendations for treatment and ongoing management.”


    Paul Vermont, practice owner. Vermont Vets