Need care after hours? We’re here for you! Urgent Care now available Thursdays & Fridays from 5PM – 9PM.
Need care after hours? We’re here for you! Urgent Care now available Thursdays & Fridays from 5PM – 9PM.
Advanced cardiac diagnostics and treatment to protect your pet’s heart health — compassionate care for conditions affecting your companion’s most vital organ.
Don't wait until you find a tick on your pet to take action. Protect them with expert prevention from Sacramento's trusted veterinary team.
The Pet Cardiology Service at Broadway Veterinary Hospital provides specialized care for animals with heart conditions or suspected cardiac issues. Our comprehensive approach includes advanced diagnostics, treatment protocols, and ongoing management strategies for a wide range of cardiac disorders affecting dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
Heart disease is relatively common in companion animals, with an estimated 10% of all dogs and cats developing some form of cardiac condition during their lifetime. Certain breeds have even higher risks due to genetic predispositions. Early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve quality of life and longevity for pets with heart disease, making specialized cardiac care an essential component of complete veterinary medicine.
Our veterinarians at Broadway Veterinary Hospital have extensive experience identifying and treating common cardiac conditions including valvular disease, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart defects, heartworm disease, and arrhythmias. We emphasize early detection through comprehensive screening and prompt intervention when cardiac abnormalities are identified.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we use a methodical approach to cardiac diagnosis that begins with thorough evaluation and progresses to advanced testing when necessary.
Our initial evaluation includes a detailed medical history review and physical examination focusing on cardiac function. Our veterinarians listen carefully for heart murmurs, abnormal rhythms, or lung sounds that might indicate heart problems. The intensity, timing, and location of heart murmurs provide valuable diagnostic information about the nature of cardiac abnormalities.
We also evaluate your pet’s pulse quality, mucous membrane color, and capillary refill time—all indicators of cardiovascular health. This thorough approach helps us identify subtle signs of heart disease that might otherwise go unnoticed during routine examinations.
When heart disease is suspected, we may recommend additional diagnostic tests such as echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound), which allows us to visualize heart chambers, valves, and blood flow in real time. This non-invasive procedure provides crucial information about heart structure and function.
Electrocardiography (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart, helping diagnose arrhythmias and other electrical conduction abnormalities. Digital radiography enables us to evaluate heart size and shape while also assessing the lungs for signs of heart failure, such as fluid accumulation.
Blood pressure measurement helps identify hypertension, which can both cause and result from heart disease. Our diagnostic capabilities allow us to identify specific heart conditions and develop targeted treatment plans tailored to your pet’s needs.
Heart disease in pets can develop gradually or appear suddenly, making regular cardiac screenings an important part of preventative care. Pet heart conditions generally fall into two categories:
Some pets are born with heart abnormalities that may not show symptoms until adulthood. These congenital conditions include patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), where a blood vessel that normally closes after birth remains open, causing abnormal blood flow through the heart.
Ventricular septal defects create holes in the wall separating the heart’s lower chambers, allowing blood to flow between them inappropriately. Valvular defects prevent heart valves from opening or closing properly, disrupting normal blood circulation. Early detection of these conditions can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for affected pets.
More commonly, pets develop heart problems later in life. Degenerative valve disease, particularly common in small-breed dogs, causes heart valves to thicken and leak over time. Dilated cardiomyopathy, often seen in larger dog breeds, causes the heart muscle to thin and the chambers to enlarge, reducing pumping efficiency.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common cardiac condition in cats, is characterized by thickening of the heart walls that restricts blood flow. Heartworm disease damages the heart and pulmonary arteries through parasitic infection, potentially leading to heart failure if left untreated.
Recognizing the early warning signs of heart problems in your pet can lead to timely intervention. Common symptoms include:
Many pet owners mistakenly attribute these symptoms to normal aging. However, these changes often indicate underlying cardiac issues that require professional evaluation. Early intervention can significantly improve prognosis and quality of life for pets with heart disease.
Once we’ve diagnosed your pet’s heart condition, we create a personalized treatment plan focused on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and maintaining quality of life.
Most heart conditions require medication to control symptoms and support heart function. Common medications include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors to dilate blood vessels, and positive inotropes to strengthen heart contractions.
Our team carefully monitors your pet’s response to medications and adjusts dosages as needed to maximize benefits while minimizing side effects. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to ensure optimal medication management throughout the course of treatment.
Dietary management plays a crucial role in cardiac care. We may recommend sodium-restricted diets to help control fluid retention and reduce strain on the heart. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation supports heart function and reduces inflammation, potentially slowing the progression of certain cardiac conditions.
Our nutritional recommendations are tailored to your pet’s specific cardiac condition, overall health status, and food preferences. We understand that dietary changes can be challenging and work with you to find palatable options that your pet will readily accept.
Comprehensive, compassionate care for your pet’s health and happiness, delivered by our experienced medical team.
Our experienced veterinarians provide many surgical services at our clinic, ranging from routine to advanced procedures.
Our skilled team delivers comprehensive medical care, equipped to handle everything from routine visits to complex conditions. Our state-of-the-art facility offers:
Regular wellness exams and vaccinations are essential to your pet’s long-term health. Our comprehensive wellness programs include:
Our experienced team provides specialized care for exotic pets, from routine checkups to advanced treatments. We offer services for:
Our fully equipped veterinary hospital brings together advanced medical technology and skilled veterinary expertise to handle all your pet’s healthcare needs.
Whether it’s preventive care or complex procedures, we’re here to provide exceptional treatment at every stage of your pet’s life.
Your pet’s health is our expertise, which is why local news outlets like Fox40 News and Good Day Sacramento regularly invite Dr. Sam Varon to share essential pet care information, from emerging health concerns to answering everyday pet questions. When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital, you’re choosing care backed by expertise that Sacramento trusts.
Broadway Veterinary Hospital brings nearly five decades of experience to cardiac patient care, with veterinarians who understand the nuances of heart disease in different species, breeds, and age groups. Our team has managed countless cardiac cases over the years, developing expertise in recognizing subtle clinical signs and optimizing treatment protocols for various conditions.
Our hospital features modern diagnostic equipment for cardiac evaluation, including digital radiography for superior image quality and electrocardiography for rhythm assessment. We maintain relationships with specialist referral centers for advanced diagnostics when needed, creating seamless coordination between primary and specialty care.
Our pharmacy is well-stocked with cardiac medications in various formulations, ensuring we can provide appropriate treatment options tailored to your pet’s specific needs and preferences. We offer multiple medication forms including tablets, liquids, and transdermal preparations to accommodate difficult-to-medicate pets.
Most importantly, we provide a compassionate, supportive approach to cardiac patients and their families. We understand the emotional impact of a heart disease diagnosis and the challenges of long-term management. Our goal is to partner with you in providing the best possible care while maintaining your pet’s quality of life and your peace of mind.
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Urgent Care: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Urgent Care: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Closed from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
*Holidays and staff training may affect these hours
