Pet Cardiology Services in Dedham, MA
Heart disease is one of the most serious conditions pets can face — and one of the most manageable when caught early. At Castlerock Veterinary Hospital in Dedham, MA, we provide comprehensive cardiac care for dogs and cats, from routine heart screenings to the diagnosis and ongoing management of complex cardiovascular conditions. Whether your veterinarian has referred you for a cardiac evaluation or you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s breathing or energy levels, our team is here to help. Call (781) 329-5333 to schedule a cardiology appointment today.
Understanding Pet Heart Disease
Cardiovascular disease in pets is more common than many owners realize. Studies estimate that up to 10% of dogs seen in general veterinary practice have some form of heart disease, and certain breeds — including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, and Boxers — are at significantly elevated risk. Cats are also susceptible, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) being the most frequently diagnosed cardiac condition in felines.
At Castlerock Veterinary Hospital, our approach to pet cardiology begins with a thorough wellness examination and a careful review of your pet’s health history. Cardiac disease often develops gradually, and early detection through routine screenings can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes. When advanced diagnostics are needed, we utilize tools such as echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound), electrocardiography (ECG), chest radiographs, and blood pressure monitoring to get a complete picture of your pet’s heart health.
Cardiac Conditions We Diagnose and Manage
Mitral valve disease (MVD): The most common heart condition in dogs, particularly in small and toy breeds. MVD causes the mitral valve to degenerate over time, leading to a leakage of blood back into the heart with each beat. Many dogs live comfortably with MVD for years, but regular monitoring is essential to catch progression and initiate treatment at the right time. Our team will guide you through each stage of the disease and adjust your pet’s care plan as needed.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): A condition in which the heart muscle weakens and the heart chambers enlarge, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. DCM is more common in large and giant breeds and can progress rapidly. Early intervention with medications to support heart function can significantly improve quality of life and longevity.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats: HCM causes the walls of the heart to thicken, making it harder for the heart to fill and pump efficiently. It is the leading cause of heart failure in cats and can also lead to dangerous blood clots. Many cats with HCM show no outward signs until the disease is advanced, making regular cardiac screening — especially in at-risk breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls — critically important.
Congenital heart defects: Some pets are born with structural abnormalities of the heart, such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pulmonic stenosis, or ventricular septal defects. These conditions are often identified during routine puppy and kitten care exams and may require medical management or referral for surgical or interventional treatment.
Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms can range from benign to life-threatening. An electrocardiogram (ECG) allows us to evaluate your pet’s heart rhythm in detail and determine whether treatment is needed. Some arrhythmias are secondary to other conditions — such as electrolyte imbalances or systemic disease — while others originate within the heart’s electrical system itself.
Congestive heart failure (CHF): When the heart can no longer compensate for underlying disease, fluid begins to accumulate in or around the lungs, causing labored breathing, coughing, and exercise intolerance. CHF is a serious but manageable condition. With the right combination of medications and close monitoring, many pets with CHF maintain a good quality of life for months to years after diagnosis.
The Connection Between Cardiac and Preventative Care
Routine wellness exams are one of the most powerful tools we have for detecting heart disease before it becomes an emergency. During each visit, we listen carefully to your pet’s heart for murmurs, irregular rhythms, or abnormal sounds that may indicate an underlying problem. If we detect anything concerning, we can recommend targeted cardiac testing to investigate further and catch disease at its earliest, most treatable stage.
If your pet has already been diagnosed with a heart condition, consistent monitoring is just as important as the initial diagnosis. The cardiac team at Castlerock Veterinary Hospital will work closely with you to schedule appropriate recheck intervals, adjust medications as your pet’s condition evolves, and ensure that your pet remains as comfortable and active as possible. Call us today at (781) 329-5333 to discuss your pet’s cardiac health.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pet Cardiology
How do I know if my pet has heart disease?
Common signs of heart disease in pets include coughing (especially at night or after exercise), labored or rapid breathing, reduced energy or exercise tolerance, fainting or collapse, a swollen abdomen, and weight loss. However, many pets show no signs at all in the early stages. That’s why routine wellness exams — where we listen to your pet’s heart — are so important. If you’ve noticed any of these changes, call Castlerock Veterinary Hospital at (781) 329-5333 to schedule an evaluation.
What is a heart murmur, and does it mean my pet is sick?
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. Murmurs are graded on a scale of 1–6 based on intensity. Not all murmurs indicate serious disease — some are benign, especially in young animals — but a murmur should always be investigated with follow-up diagnostics such as an echocardiogram. Our team can help determine whether your pet’s murmur requires monitoring, medication, or further evaluation.
What is an echocardiogram, and does my pet need one?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that allows us to visualize its structure and function in real time. It is the gold standard for diagnosing and staging most forms of heart disease in pets. If your pet has a heart murmur, an arrhythmia, or symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease, an echocardiogram is typically recommended to guide treatment decisions.
Can heart disease in pets be cured?
Most forms of heart disease in pets are not curable, but they are manageable. With appropriate medications, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments, many pets with cardiac conditions live comfortably for months to years after diagnosis. Some congenital defects — such as patent ductus arteriosus — can be corrected with interventional procedures. Our goal at Castlerock Veterinary Hospital is to maximize your pet’s quality of life at every stage of their condition.
What breeds are most at risk for heart disease?
In dogs, breeds at elevated risk include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, and Cocker Spaniels. In cats, Maine Coons, Ragdolls, British Shorthairs, and Sphynx cats have a higher genetic predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If your pet is a higher-risk breed, we recommend discussing proactive cardiac screening at your next visit.
Does Castlerock Veterinary Hospital prescribe heart medications?
Yes. Depending on your pet’s diagnosis and the stage of their disease, our veterinarian may recommend medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, pimobendan, or antiarrhythmic drugs. We will explain each medication’s purpose, how to administer it, and what signs to watch for at home. Medication adjustments are common as heart disease progresses, so regular rechecks are an essential part of cardiac management.
How often does my pet need to be seen for heart disease monitoring?
This depends on the type and severity of your pet’s condition. Pets in early stages of heart disease may need recheck exams every six to twelve months, while those in more advanced stages — or on medications — may be seen more frequently. Our team will establish a monitoring schedule tailored to your pet’s specific situation and adjust it over time as their needs change.
How do I schedule a cardiac evaluation at Castlerock Veterinary Hospital?
Call us at (781) 329-5333 or request an appointment online. We welcome referrals from other veterinarians and are happy to see pets whose owners have noticed concerning symptoms. Castlerock Veterinary Hospital serves pet owners throughout Dedham, MA and the surrounding areas.
