Alenka Gaus
Cardiology & ultrasound
Cardiology · Dog & Cat
The heart works quietly —
until it causes problems.
In dogs and cats, the heart often works quietly for a long time, and heart disease develops gradually before it causes any problems. With cardiac ultrasound and ECG we detect changes early, and can support your pet well over many years.
Cardiac ultrasound
ECG
Valves & HCM
Long-term support
Echocardiography · live
HR 124
BPM · Dog · At rest
~ 15%
of all older cats
have a form of HCM, often unnoticed for years.
Contents of this page
Why examine early
Inconspicuous for a long time, and then sudden symptoms.
A diseased heart works remarkably well for a long time, because the body compensates for weaknesses. Only when these reserves are exhausted do clear symptoms appear. This means: by the time an animal is visibly suffering, the disease is often already advanced.
The earlier a heart condition is known, the better the course of the disease and your pet's quality of life can be supported.
Compensation of the heart
Reserves decline, symptoms appear late
Few symptoms
Symptoms visible
What you can look out for
Six signs that should make you pay attention.
Many owners first notice small changes in everyday life. Do bring your pet to us if you notice one of these signs.
01
Coughing, especially at night
A dry cough after exertion or while lying down can be a first sign.
Most common early sign
02
Reduced stamina
Shorter walks, pauses while playing, getting tired faster than usual.
In everyday life
03
Fast breathing at rest
An increased breathing rate during sleep is an important sign; see breathing rate below.
Also during sleep
04
More tiredness & withdrawal
When your pet lies down more, withdraws or seems less alert.
Change in behaviour
05
Fainting episodes
Brief collapsing or "blackouts". Please have this checked promptly.
Check urgently
06
A heart murmur heard by chance
Discovered during a check-up or before an anaesthesia, a good reason for further investigation.
Incidental finding
These signs can also have other causes. They do not replace a veterinary examination. If you are unsure, please get in touch with us.
Join in at home
Counting breaths — the most important indicator.
In animals with a known heart condition, the resting breathing rate is one of the most reliable indicators of a deterioration. If it rises over several days, that is a reason to contact us promptly, often before other symptoms become visible.
1
Wait until your pet is deeply asleep or completely relaxed at rest.
2
For one minute, count the rises of the chest (breathing in and out = 1).
3
Note the value down — ideally over several days, to see any changes.
Resting breathing rate
per minute
25
Breaths / min · Example
< 30
In the normal range
30 – 40
Keep watching
> 40
Please contact us
Common heart diseases
Dogs and cats fall ill in different ways.
Which condition is present in each individual case is clarified by the cardiological examination. This overview shows what is typically most prominent in dogs and cats.
Symbolic image · created with AI
Dog
Mitral valve disease
A leaking mitral valve is the most common heart disease in dogs; small breeds at an advanced age are particularly affected.
Typical: Cavalier King Charles, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese.
Symptoms: coughing, fast breathing, reduced stamina.
Diagnosis: a heart murmur when listening, confirmed by cardiac ultrasound.
Symbolic image · created with AI
Cat
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
In cats, diseases of the heart muscle are most prominent, above all HCM, a thickening of the heart wall. It often goes unnoticed for a long time.
Often affected: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair and other breeds.
Deceptive: symptoms often appear only late, sometimes acutely as an emergency.
Diagnosis: cardiac ultrasound, also advisable before a planned anaesthesia or in at-risk breeds.
Important to know
Coughing does not automatically mean the heart.
Coughing is a common, but not a definitive sign. It can come from the heart, but equally from the airways or the lungs. A thorough examination prevents the actual cause from being overlooked.
Heartcauses
Airways& lungs
How the heart examination works
Four steps — painless, without anaesthesia.
For the heart examination, no special preparation is usually needed, and your pet does not need to fast. We take our time and ensure a calm atmosphere.
Step 01
Listening & history
We listen to the heart and lungs and discuss what you have noticed about your pet.
Step 02
Cardiac ultrasound
The cardiac ultrasound is performed by our specialist, precise images of the heart muscle and valves.
Step 03
ECG
The ECG shows the heart rhythm, important for assessing any irregularities.
Step 04
Discussion & plan
We discuss the findings with you in clear terms, and decide the next steps together.
Therapy & long-term support
A journey, not a single step.
If a heart condition is found, the aim is a therapy that suits the findings, usually medication that relieves the heart, combined with regular check-ups. In this way, many animals lead a contented life over a long time.
Medication tailored individually to your companion
Regular check-ups. We adjust the therapy when needed
Close coordination with internal medicine for concurrent conditions
Your observations at home feed into the ongoing support
Course with therapy
Quality of life
Stable over months and years, with adjustments when needed.
Diagnosis
6 months
1 year
2 years +
Frequently asked questions
What pet owners ask most often.
Have a question that is not answered here? Do give us a call. We will take the time.
How can I tell if my pet has a heart problem?
Typical signs are coughing (especially after exertion or at night), reduced stamina, fast breathing at rest or during sleep, increased tiredness as well as brief fainting episodes.
These signs do not have to come from the heart. They can also have other causes. That is exactly why a veterinary investigation is important.
How is the heart examined in dogs and cats?
We first listen to the heart and lungs and then carry out a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) as well as an ECG. Both examinations are painless and take place without anaesthesia.
The cardiac ultrasound is performed by our specialist. This produces a clear picture of the condition of the heart, which forms the basis for all further decisions.
Can my pet still live well with a heart condition?
Yes. A heart condition can usually not be cured, but it can be supported well. With adjusted therapy, many animals lead a contented life over a long time.
What matters is continuous support: regular check-ups, adjustment of the medication when needed, and your observations at home, for example regarding the breathing rate or stamina.
When is a heart examination advisable?
An examination is worthwhile if you notice symptoms (coughing, fast breathing, less stamina), when a heart murmur is heard by chance, before a planned anaesthesia and in breeds with an increased risk of heart disease.
In known at-risk breeds, a preventive check can also be advisable before symptoms appear. Do feel free to ask us about it.
Which heart conditions occur in dogs and cats?
In dogs, valve diseases are common, above all mitral valve disease. It mainly affects smaller breeds at an advanced age.
In cats, diseases of the heart muscle are most prominent, above all hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart wall, which often goes unnoticed for a long time.
Does my pet need to fast for the heart examination?
No. For cardiac ultrasound and ECG, no special preparation is usually needed, and your pet does not need to fast.
Do feel free to bring its favourite collar or a familiar blanket. That helps the examination go as relaxed as possible.
How much does a cardiological examination cost?
The costs depend on the scope of the examination and the applicable German fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT). We are happy to discuss the range with you in advance by phone.
Insights
A look inside our practice
Bright rooms, modern technology and a well-coordinated team. That is what the place where your pet is treated looks like.
Cardiology · Cremlingen
Reassurance for your pet — and for you.
If your pet shows signs such as coughing or reduced stamina, or a heart condition is already known: we take our time, look at the heart calmly and advise you personally.