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CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

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CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets is dedicated to collaborating with your veterinarian to deliver compassionate, expert cardiac care.

CVCA is the leading choice for veterinary cardiology. Our team of board-certified veterinary cardiologists treats more patients with heart disease than any other practice worldwide. Our expertise and top-of-the-line echocardiography equipment ensure an accurate diagnosis and the best outcome for your pet. Entrust your pet's care to a board-certified cardiologist!

09/29/2026

As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, keep your pets safe this fall with a few key precautions:

Toxins & Treats: Keep Halloween candy, chocolate, and sugar-free treats out of reach, and watch out for toxic wild mushrooms on walks. 🍄

Chemical Hazards: Store rodenticides and sweet-tasting, highly toxic antifreeze safely out of access. ☠️

Darker Walks: Use reflective gear or clip-on LED lights during early morning and evening walks. 🔦

Cozy Precautions: Keep space heaters, fireplaces, and lit candles guarded against curious paws and tails. 🕯️

Yard Risks: Avoid letting dogs ingest acorns, pinecones, or moldy leaf piles, which can host lingering ticks. 🐿️

07/28/2026

We are officially the president of the Blu fan club! 🐾💙

This sweet girl is 14 years young and still holding strong! Blu first joined the CVCA Cardiology family back in 2024 to get checked for an arrhythmia, and was later diagnosed with Chronic Degenerative Valve Disease (CDVD).

Her latest checkup showed wonderfully stable results, and we couldn’t be happier to watch her keep thriving, playing, and living her best life.

We love you, sweet Blu! Keep shining! ✨

06/23/2026

Just another day at the office. 💕

05/04/2026

Current Status: 10% Awake, 90% Fluff. 🦁

Who else is caffeinating their way through this hairstyle today?

04/28/2026

Good news alert! 📣 TP’s heart exam is in, and it turns out he’s just special.

His heart murmur is caused by something called DUST (a minor thickening of the heart wall). It’s essentially a structural quirk that creates a little "noise," but doesn't slow him down!

✅ No cardiac rechecks needed.
✅ No cause for concern.
✅ 100% chance of more naps.

We love a happy ending. Stay sweet, TP! 💤✨

12/03/2025

Thank you to our friends at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital for the kind shoutout! We’re grateful for the partnership and the collaborative care we’re able to provide together. ❤️🐾

11/21/2025

The "Churro of Wellness" Checklist:

♥️ HEAR: Get routine vet exams to listen for murmurs!

♥️ CHECK: Monitor your cat's WEIGHT and energy (Weight loss is a subtle sign!).

♥️ COUNT: Count your cat's resting breaths! (>30/min is an emergency!)

♥️ Be your cat's sweetest advocate! Early detection is key to a long life.

11/19/2025

It's getting chilly! 🥶Cold weather can affect your pet's joints, skin, activity, and routines. Here are a few tips to prepare your pet for wintertime:
- Provide a warm and cozy space off of the floor and away from drafts
- Sweaters or jackets are great for short-haired, small or senior pets
- Limit your pet's time outside in the extreme cold
- Some pets' nutrition needs might change during the winter. Talk to your vet if you think this might be the case.

Have questions? We’re always here to help!

10/08/2025

Happy Wednesday! 🐾

09/10/2025

Happy Wednesday from ZOE! 😍

Zoe's recheck echocardiogram revealed that she has a very mild form of a congenital heart condition called subaortic stenosis. This refers to a narrowing (stenosis) in the region of the heart just below the aortic valve, where blood leaves the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) to enter the aorta. The narrowing results in an obstruction to forward blood flow that, in severe cases, requires the left ventricle to become stronger and thicker in order to send blood into the aorta. Abnormally fast and turbulent blood flow downstream of the obstruction can disrupt the normal function of the nearby aortic valve, resulting in backward flow across this valve (called aortic regurgitation). Fortunately for Zoe, the degree of her subaortic stenosis is extremely mild. In addition, because she has reached full adulthood, the severity of her condition is not expected to increase in the future. YAY! 🥳

Regarding the mild thickening of her mitral valve and very small amount of backward flow across it, this has proven to be remarkably stable over time. Although some degree of heart chamber enlargement was noted during one evaluation in September of 2018 (leading to the use of pimobendan), this now appears to have been an anomalous time point. Following previous normalization of heart chamber size and then discontinuation of the pimobendan last September, Zoe continues to be free of any apparent heart chamber enlargement!!! Best news EVER!! 👏🏽

As much as we will miss Zoe's visits, we do not have a plan for further cardiology appointments for Zoe. We love you Zoe! ♥️

04/11/2025

Happy National Pet Day! Drop a pic of your pet in the comments so we can all appreciate their cuteness. 😍👇💗

04/09/2025

Let’s be real—you were going to online shop anyway. 😏 Why not grab your pet’s food and meds online too while you’re at it? Shop our online pharmacy at https://cvcavets.com

09/26/2022

This is Moira! She was referred by DocSide Veterinary Medical Center and recently visited us to monitor her cardiomyopathy or a thickened heart muscle

After seeing Jesse Miller, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) for an exam, we found that Moira is doing great and we were able to discontinue one of her medications!!

Moira has been seeing us for several months and we'll be keeping an eye on her to make sure her heart works as best as it can! Her mom says her favorite things are napping in the sun, cuddling in mom's lap and chowing down on Temptations treats! Mom also describes her as a chatty senior who likes to get her way! Moira had a lot to say to us during her visit.

To learn more about CVCA, visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-kx30.

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

09/19/2022

This is Hank! He was referred by New Holland Veterinary Hospital and recently visited us to monitor his heart disease.

After seeing Jesse Miller, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) and Lacy, veterinary assistant for an exam, we found that Hank is doing great!

Hank was diagnosed several years ago with a double chamber right ventricle (DCRV) and mitral valve dysplasia, an abnormally formed mitral valve. DCVR is a congenital heart anomaly where the right ventricle is divided into two chambers. Hank has been on medications for several years and is very stable.

Hank is a staff favorite. We plan on seeing him yearly and are hopeful that Hank's heart will continue to stay stable and he will continue to do well

To learn more about CVCA visit https://hubs.li/Q01l-bjY0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

09/12/2022

This sweet girl is Molly! ❤️ She was referred to us by Banfield Pet Hospital and recently visited CVCA for a new heart murmur.

After seeing Dr. Sloane Everett and Anna, RVT, we found that Molly has an inherited condition called Subaortic Stenosis. SAS is defined as abnormal tissue located just below the aortic valve that creates an obstruction the heart has to overcome to pump blood out to the body. This makes the heart have to work harder and as a result, over time, a thicker heart muscle.

Fortunately, Molly has a mild form of SAS and does not require any medical treatment at this time. We will work closely with her primary care veterinarian and continue to monitor her condition!

Molly is a super star. 🌟 She enjoyed getting belly rubs, eating treats and telling Anna all of her secrets during her visit.

Click here to learn more about CVCA and SAS https://hubs.li/Q01m2Srq0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

08/24/2022

This cutie is Ace! Ace came in for a recheck of his heart to reevaluate his degenerative valve disease. Dr. Sloane Everett had the pleasure of meeting Ace and giving his Mom the great news that he is doing well.

Degenerative valve disease is one of the most common heart diseases we see in dogs. This happens when the valves become thicker than normal and don't provide a perfect seal, allowing blood to flow backwards. There is most likely a genetic or hereditary component to this issue. Over time, the heart can become larger due the extra blood staying in the heart instead of going out to the body.

Ace was referred to us by Veterinary Park Potomac and has been a patient with us for several years. After his appointment, Ace's Mom informed us that Ace said, "Best day ever! I got belly rubs, people were super nice and funny, and I got amazing treats - not to mention great news on my echo. No butts to sniff, but beggars can’t be choosers.”
You're the best, Ace!!

To learn more about degenerative valve disease, visit: https://hubs.li/Q01kSYY00

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

05/25/2022

This is Sasha! He was referred by DocSide Veterinary Medical Center and recently visited us for a heart murmur and an increased BNP level.

After seeing Steve Rosenthal, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), we found that Sasha has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thick, causing the heart to become stiff. Left untreated, this can lead to congestive heart failure. This is one of the most common heart diseases we see in cats and is commonly the result of a genetic mutation. A blood test, called NT-proBNP, is a reliable cardiac marker. When the heart becomes stretched or stressed, it will release a protein causing these results to be elevated.

We have recommended a treatment plan for Sasha and will work with Sasha's parents and primary care veterinarian to keep him happy and healthy!

To learn more about CVCA and https://hubs.li/Q01bw_Jn0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

05/11/2022

This is Misha! She was referred by Harbor View Veterinary Hospital and recently visited us to monitor her mitral valve disease.

After seeing Matt Boothe, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), and Lisa, a CVCA RVT, for an exam, we found that Misha is doing great!

She has degenerative valve disease. This is one of the most common heart diseases we see in older, smaller breed dogs. This occurs when the heart valves become thick, causing them to not close properly allowing the blood to flow backwards. Over time, the heart can enlarge due to the back up of blood. There is most likely a genetic component to this disease.

Misha has been seeing us for over a year and we'll be keeping an eye on her to make sure her heart works as best it can!

To learn more about CVCA and degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q019M74Q0

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

04/13/2022

Dr. Rosenthal had the pleasure of seeing Mackey again to check up on his heart! You can see him here hanging out with Dr. Rosenthal. He was such a well-behaved dog for us - a staff favorite! 🐶

Mackey was referred to us by West Friendship Animal Hospital and has been a patient with us for a little over 2 years. We have been monitoring his mitral valve disease which has slightly progressed. He will now need some medication to help stabilize his condition. But we believe he will do just fine.

To learn more about degenerative valve disease, visit https://hubs.li/Q0179gqk0.

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

04/06/2022

This is Albus.🐶 He was referred by Veterinary Park Potomac and recently visited us for a heart murmur to get checked out!

After seeing Dr. Jesse Miller, CVCA's 3rd year resident, for an exam and echocardiogram, we found that Albus has a few issues including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), subaortic stenosis (SAS) and degenerative valve disease (DVD).

Albus' heart murmur is due to a combination of mitral valve disease (Leaky mitral valve) and the subaortic stenosis (abnormal tissue located just below the aortic valve that creates an obstruction the heart). DCM is described as a weakened heart muscle caused by genetics or possibly diet. Golden Retrievers, like Albus, are predisposed to these conditions.

Even with all his heart issues, Albus kept a smile on his face and loved everyone he came in contact with. He will be on a regimen of cardiac medications to keep him feeling good!

To learn more about CVCA and dilated cardiomyopathy, visit https://hubs.li/Q016pr650.

CVCA Columbia is located inside Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center.

Address

10000 Old Columbia Road
Columbia, MD
21046

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

https://cvcavets.com/

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