The Cardiac Health of Your Pet
From the moment of birth of an animal or human the heart takes over from the maternal circulation. It is the innervated muscle pump of the body that allows all body cells to function by supplying oxygen and nutrients. It is essential that this organ is maintained in a healthy state. Unfortunately it is not always so
Congenital Heart Disease
Some young animals are born with defects. Very young puppies, kittens and some exotic pets are taken to the Veterinarian for health check-ups and vaccinations. At this time abnormalities can be detected, the main one is a cardiac murmur. Very soft murmurs are usually only present in large breed puppies and should be absent by one year old, all others are abnormal. Breeders of purebred dogs and cats are very aware of this and have their puppies certified as free from congenital heart disease and not bred as the defect could be inherited. Everyone that has the health of their pet at heart will expect their local practitioner to refer the puppy or kitten to a Cardiologist for an evaluation and probably an echocardiogram. Some of these abnormalities can be resolved by surgery and the animal may be able to lead a normal active life afterwards. Some kittens have murmurs also, and should be evaluated.
Acquired Heart Disease
The most common are murmurs that are found in small to medium sized dogs, caused by degeneration of some heart valves. It could start early at about 4 years of life, or later on.
This condition could lead to congestive heart failure. In boxers there is a heart disease that is specific to them. In large breeds such as the Doberman, a disease could develop that is called Dialated Cardiomyopathy and is very serious. These animals should be evaluated promptly by a Cardiologist.
Cats can have a condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Thickened heart muscle can also be caused by Hyperthyroidism in cats. Certain drugs, toxins and parasites such as heartworm disease in dogs and cats also cause heart disease.
Newer drugs, methods of early detection of heart disease, scientifically formulated food etc., are all becoming accessible to improve the cardiac health of animals, these very important companions in our lives.
Dr. Lorraine de Jager graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Nursing her own puppy through a bout of distemper inspired Dr. deJager to become a veterinarian. Her most memorable experience in her career was being accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania for a Master’s degree and Cardiology residency. She has also assisted in the treatment of buffalo calves and young lions.
Dr. deJager has four children: a veterinarian, a lawyer, an engineer and the youngest is a student at Drexel University. Blues and Jopie, two felines, also occupy the household. Dr. deJager has a special interest in cardiology and provides cardiology services by referral at Windcrest Animal Hospital.
WINDCREST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
3705 Lancaster Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
(302) 998-2995
24 Hour Emergency
TALLEYVILLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL>
3001 Concord Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19803
(302) 478-0648
HOCKESSIN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
643 Yorklyn Road
Hockessin, Delaware 19707
(302) 239-9464
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