February’s Pet of the Month
Meet
our loveable and very handsome February Pet of the Month, Wilbur! Wilbur
is a high-fiving, toy-destroying 12-year-old Bull Terrier mix who is a true
couch potato and snuggle bunny. Very appropriate for Valentine's month,
Wilbur wants to discuss heart health!
At
a recent visit with us, Dr. Anders heard an arrhythmia, or abnormal rhythm when
she listened to Wilbur's heart. We referred Wilbur to Dr. Rausch, a local
cardiologist to explore this further who diagnosed Wilbur with cardiomyopathy,
which is a deterioration of the function of the heart muscle. Wilbur's
condition will be closely managed with medication and visits to both Pearl
Animal Hospital and his cardiologist.
There
is a wide range of heart conditions that can be caused by a wide range of maladies.
At your pet's exam, we listen for any arrhythmia, murmur, and/or abnormal rate
or beat of the heart. Heart conditions can affect pets of any species,
age, and/or breed and almost always warrant further investigation.
When
pets show symptoms of heart disease, they may include coughing, labored
breathing, collapsing, sudden lameness, and/or exercise intolerance.
However, many pets may never show any symptoms at all.
