CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets is a general practice practice in Lawndale, CA. Procedures include diagnostics, NT-proBNP, treatment plan, and CVCA Cardio Pharmacy.
About
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets in Lawndale specializes in veterinary cardiology, offering advanced care for pets with heart conditions. The clinic provides a full cardiology examination, which includes a physical exam, a complete echocardiogram, and the development of a detailed diagnostics and treatment plan. A board-certified veterinary cardiologist performs these services, utilizing advanced technology.
Located inside VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center, the clinic operates by appointment for patient families and accepts referrals from primary care veterinarians. For pet owners, a dedicated CVCA Cardio Pharmacy is available to easily obtain prescribed medications, which can be ordered online and delivered directly.
Surgical team
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Courtney Smith
DVM, MS Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
Procedures
- diagnostics
- NT-proBNP
- treatment plan
- CVCA Cardio Pharmacy
- blood pressure
- full cardiology examination
- echocardiogram
- physical examination
- auscultation
Photos
Photos via Google · CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, Adriana Ataniya, Alexis Cerminara, Michael Seaton
Frequently asked questions
- Why should a pet with heart disease see a board-certified veterinary cardiologist?
- Board-certified veterinary cardiologists have four additional years of advanced training after veterinary school. They also pass two consecutive years of testing with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, demonstrating their advanced expertise in cardiology. This specialized training allows them to accurately determine the severity and optimal treatment options for pets with heart disease.
- What happens during a cardiology examination at CVCA Lawndale?
- A cardiology examination at CVCA Lawndale begins with assessing the pet’s medical history. The team then performs a non-invasive physical examination, including blood pressure measurement, weight assessment, and auscultation of the heart. A board-certified cardiologist or cardiology resident will then perform a full echocardiogram, and a detailed report with diagnostics and a treatment plan will be developed and provided.
- What are the common signs of heart disease in dogs and cats?
- In dogs, potential symptoms of heart disease include coughing, trouble breathing, fainting, weakness, exercise intolerance, and abdominal distension. For cats, signs may include hiding more, lethargy, increased respiratory rate and effort, fainting, or sudden onset of painful forelimb lameness or hind limb paralysis. An abnormal heart sound heard during a routine exam can also be an early indicator.
- How can pet owners obtain prescribed cardiac medications from CVCA Lawndale?
- Pet owners can easily get medications prescribed by their veterinary cardiologist through the CVCA Cardio Pharmacy. These medications can be ordered online and sent directly to the pet owner's address, providing a convenient way to manage their pet's treatment plan.
- What is an echocardiogram and how is it performed at CVCA Lawndale?
- An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart that provides valuable information on the location, type, and severity of heart disease. It is typically performed with the pet lying on a table, with the owner present for comfort, and an ultrasound probe is placed on the chest. The procedure is not painful and usually takes about 15-25 minutes.