Pet care

What is a heart ECHO? 

A heart echo, also known as echocardiography, is a very useful diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. An echo is simply an ultrasound scan of the heart. It allows the structure and function of the heart to be assessed, making it possible to pick up potential heart problems in our pets at an early stage. 

Who is an echocardiogram recommended for?

A heart echo is recommended above all for animals showing signs of cardiovascular or respiratory problems. For older animals, a heart check-up is advised once a year or more often, depending on their general health.

What symptoms should prompt an owner to see a cardiologist?

Some symptoms should always be a reason to book a cardiology consultation. These include:

• breathlessness,
• coughing, 
• rapid breathing
• constant tiredness, 
• inability to cope with previously normal activities, 
• loss of consciousness, 
• weight loss, 
• swelling of the limbs or persistently bluish mucous membranes

Animals should also be examined routinely, especially if their breed and age make them prone to certain heart conditions.

What happens during a heart echo on a dog or cat?

During a heart echo, the vet uses a special device called an ultrasound probe. The probe emits invisible sound waves which bounce off the structures of the heart, producing an image of the heart on the monitor. The animal  either lies or stands during the scan. It takes 30 to 60 minutes. The procedure itself is painless and non-invasive. It does, however, require the owner or a veterinary nurse to be present to position the patient correctly. 

Summary

A heart echo in dogs and cats is an important diagnostic tool that allows veterinarians to assess the structure and function of our pets’ hearts. It is a safe, painless and relatively quick scan that can detect potential heart problems at an early stage, improving the chances of successful treatment. If you notice any worrying symptoms or suspect a heart problem in your four-legged friend, it is worth consulting a vet, who can guide the animal’s further treatment. 

What is a dentist for animals?

A dentist for dogs and cats is also known as a veterinary dentist or dental vet. This is a veterinarian who specialises in dental care for animals and works with both dogs and cats. A veterinary dentist diagnoses, prevents and treats problems affecting the mouth and teeth of animals.

What does a dentist for dogs and cats do?

Just as in people, a healthy mouth is essential to an animal’s overall health and wellbeing. A veterinary dentist carries out:

• oral examinations, 
• scaling, i.e. removal of tartar, 
• extractions, i.e. removal of teeth, 
• treatment of gum disease, 
• as well as other dental procedures within the mouth.

These procedures are carried out using specialist equipment suited to the needs and size of the individual animal. Bear in mind that all procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, for the comfort of the animal and the safety of clinic staff. 

Why does cooperation between vet and owner matter?

It is important for owners to take their pets regularly to a vet who deals with dentistry, for routine oral check-ups and to prevent potential dental problems. Good oral hygiene habits can also be established at home, for example by brushing your pet’s teeth regularly with a toothbrush and special toothpaste designed for animals.

It is worth stressing that responsibility for an animal’s oral health lies first and foremost with the owner, but when needed, a vet can provide professional dental care for pets. During the visit, the owner can also receive advice on appropriate oral hygiene tailored to their particular animal.

When should you book a dental consultation?

Regular dental visits are important for your pet’s oral health. At every appointment, vets also look at the teeth as part of the clinical examination, but owners should keep an eye on the state of their pet’s teeth themselves and watch out for potential problems. Things to look out for:

• broken or damaged teeth, 
• missing teeth,
• the amount of tartar building up, 
• red or swollen gums,
• bad breath
• any swellings in the mouth or on the cheeks

If you notice any of the problems above, see a vet so that the right treatment can be arranged.  

Looking after your dog’s oral health is essential to maintaining its overall health and wellbeing. Dental problems can affect a dog’s health and make everyday life harder. That is why it is worth taking your cat or dog to the dentist regularly, to make sure your pet gets the care it needs.

The thyroid is a small gland that plays a key role in the functioning of the whole body. It regulates metabolism, influencing how an animal’s body manages its energy. In veterinary practice, however, we see a clear split between species when it comes to diseases of this gland.

When the thyroid is diseased, a dog’s metabolism usually slows down abnormally, whereas a cat’s speeds up dangerously. Below we explain how differently these conditions present in the two species.

The thyroid in dogs and cats – key differences in pathophysiology

Pet owners are often unaware that dogs and cats suffer from two completely opposite thyroid disorders:

• Dogs most commonly suffer from hypothyroidism. Their metabolism slows to below the physiological norm. The cause is usually an autoimmune process (lymphocytic thyroiditis) in which the immune system destroys the gland’s tissue.
• Cats (especially older ones) struggle with hyperthyroidism. Their body runs in overdrive, which gradually wears out the internal organs. The disease is most often caused by benign growths (adenomas) that produce an excess of hormones.

Because these conditions run such different courses, their diagnosis and clinical picture call for an individual approach.

Hypothyroidism in dogs – clinical signs and predisposition

Hypothyroidism develops slowly. Owners often mistake the symptoms for the natural ageing of their pet. In reality, they are the result of a hormone deficiency.

Main symptoms in dogs:

• Weight gain unrelated to diet: the dog puts on weight despite eating the same amount of food, or even with a reduced appetite.
• Cold intolerance: the animal seeks out sources of warmth and is reluctant to go outside on cold days.
• Behavioural changes (lethargy): apathy, reluctance to exercise, tiring quickly and muscle weakness.
• A characteristic facial expression: the so-called “tragic expression” (facies tragica), caused by myxoedema, a swelling of the skin of the head and eyelids.
• Skin and coat signs: symmetrical hair loss (often on the flanks), a dry, dull coat, and hair loss on the tail (the so-called “rat tail”).

Predisposed breeds:

Owners of breeds such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador, Dobermann, Boxer and Cocker Spaniel should pay particular attention to thyroid screening.

Hyperthyroidism in cats – a threat to geriatric patients

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most frequently diagnosed endocrine diseases in cats over 8 years of age. It forces the cardiovascular system and the kidneys to work overtime, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications.

Main symptoms in cats:

• Polyphagia (excessive hunger) combined with weight loss: the cat has an increased appetite yet still loses weight. Muscle wasting along the spine is often visible.
• Restlessness and hyperactivity: a change in behaviour, anxiety, increased activity (including at night), and sometimes irritability or aggression.
• Seeking out cool places: hyperthyroid cats often lie on cold surfaces (tiles) to bring their body temperature down.
• Digestive signs: vomiting and diarrhoea caused by speeded-up gut motility.
• Coat changes: the coat becomes unkempt, greasy and scruffy.

Diagnosis – why a routine blood count is not enough

A standard preventive blood test (basic haematology and biochemistry) can only hint at a problem; it does not allow a definitive endocrine diagnosis to be made. To confirm the disease, at Zviropolis we run a specialist thyroid profile.

It includes measuring the key parameters:

1. T4 (total thyroxine): the basic screening parameter.
2. fT4 (free thyroxine): a more sensitive parameter, unaffected by other systemic diseases.
3. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): essential for confirming hypothyroidism in dogs.

Preparing for the test:

Reliable results depend on the patient being properly prepared. The animal should be brought in for the blood sample fasted (at least 8-12 hours without food) to avoid lipaemia (fat in the serum), which can distort the hormone readings.

Treatment and prognosis

The aim of treatment is to restore euthyroidism (normal hormone levels) and improve the patient’s quality of life.

In dogs (hypothyroidism):

Treatment consists of lifelong supplementation with synthetic levothyroxine. It is a safe and effective therapy. Once the right dose has been established, the clinical signs resolve and the animal returns to normal condition and activity.

In cats (hyperthyroidism):

Management is more complex and is tailored to the individual patient’s condition. The available options are:

• Medication: drugs that block the synthesis of thyroid hormones (given orally).
• Veterinary diet: foods with a strictly limited iodine content.
• Interventional methods: surgical removal of the affected thyroid lobe (thyroidectomy) or radioactive iodine therapy.

In cats, treatment requires close monitoring of kidney parameters.

Thyroid disorders, though common, lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. If you notice unexplained weight gain and apathy in your dog, or restlessness despite weight loss in your older cat, we recommend a veterinary consultation. At Zviropolis we have the diagnostic facilities to assess your pet’s endocrine function precisely. Early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment. Do get in touch.