What is a Cardiac Evaluation?
A cardiac evaluation is a veterinary assessment of a dog's heart health. It screens for congenital and hereditary heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and subaortic stenosis (SAS).
How is a Cardiac Evaluation Performed?
Veterinarians use stethoscope exams, electrocardiograms (ECG), and echocardiograms to detect heart abnormalities. Some breeds require genetic testing for specific heart conditions.
Why is Cardiac Screening Important?
Early detection allows for better management of heart conditions, improving a dog’s quality of life. Responsible breeders use cardiac evaluations to prevent genetic heart disease.