Congestive heart failure (also called heart failure) is when the heart’s ability to pump is so poor that fluid collects in different parts of the body.  In pets, the most common type of heart failure causes fluid buildup in or around the lungs.  The most common signs in pets are coughing, trouble breathing, less energy, less interest in eating, or fainting. We sometimes also see fluid that makes the belly get swollen.  Heart failure can be from many types of heart disease, mostly in older pets. This is a problem that we treat every day and most pets enjoy a good quality of life once they are treated.

January 2021

We've already announced our 2021 Calendar Contest winners on social media, but we'd like to share their stories and help you get to know them better today.

December 2020

November 2020

Imagine a plot from a horror story…a few months 

after the bite of a seemingly innocent looking bug, your dog develops palpitations, heart muscle weakness and even fluid build-up in the belly. Think this sounds too crazy to be real? Think again. Chagas myocarditis is a parasitic disease that affects dogs in the gulf coast states and adjacent areas. Texas is a hot spot.

October 2020

"Some days I'm a cat wrangler. Some days I get to snuggle puppies. Other days I console sad owners that just received bad news. On a day like today, I am able to give owners peace of mind in knowing that a heart murmur is not going to impact their pets life. Every day is a different day. " -Shannah P., Team Leader, Austin Shoal Creek, Texas

September 2020

July 2020

Ori D. Scislowicz, BS, LVT

Blood pressure in small animal patients is important to monitor, as it is commonly overlooked until target organ damage has already occurred. The organs most commonly affected by high blood pressure include the eyes, heart, kidneys and brain. High blood pressure in dogs and cats is most often due to other systemic disease such as kidney disease, Cushing's disease, or hyperthyroidism. It is important to include blood pressure readings during examinations, especially in patients with signs of target organ damage, animals diagnosed with the common underlying causes of systemic hypertension, and geriatric patients (over 8 years of age). Blood pressure is a product of cardiac output and systemic peripheral resistance. The relationship between the kidneys, autonomic nervous system, and endothelial intercellular messaging systems all contribute to a patient's blood pressure.

June 2020

We’ve all seen the news stories or social media posts about extreme animal cruelty. The horrible photos that depict emaciated animals, unsanitary hoarding or living conditions, or civilians breaking car windows for pets in the middle of summer are never fun to see. It’s unpleasant to watch and can make any animal lover upset enough to want to do something, but what can you do when it comes to preventing animal cruelty?

May 2020

Just like humans, our pet dogs and cats can develop high blood pressure, or systemic hypertension. However, unlike us, most cases of high blood pressure in pets is the result of some other disease or condition. 

April 2020

CVCA Response to COVID-19 - Essential Service with Compassion, Excellence, and Integrity

What does it mean to be an essential service?