My Boxer mix has an enlarged heart. Should I wait 2 months for a cardiologist?

Hello and thank you for using Pet Coach! Based on the radiograph you attached, the vertebral heart score (VHS) is on the larger measurement and overall the heart does have increased contact with the sternum. There does not appear to be evidence of heart failure, but I am limited with one x-ray view and no ability to adjust the contrast. I don't know what medication your veterinarian started Bono on but in this case, I would recommend starting omega 3 fish oil, Pimobendan (prescription medication that helps delay on the onset of heart failure and helps the heart pump more efficiently). I would also look into heart supplements such as Standard Process Whole Body Support and Cardiac support (if available in your country). Here is an article from my hospital on heart disease and what to look out for. Mitral valve disease is one of the most common heart conditions we see in dogs. I hope this helps and provides you with more information. If you have any concerns, I would reach out to the veterinarian who has been seeing Bono. https://www.neighborhoodvetclinic.com/degenerative-valve-disease-myxomatous-mitral-valve-disease/

An enlarged heart could mean that your dog is developing heart disease but it could also just be normal for your dog. Your vet could submit a blood test called a proBNP which helps detect heart disease. You could also have a cardiologist perform an ultrasound of her heart to evaluate the function of her hear and measure the size.

It's hard to determine from your terminology what could be going on. If you have Hector's results and medical records, we would be happy to review them in a Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach consult and discuss rule outs for his symptoms and abnormal test results. An enlarged heart can be caused by various heart or lung issues, and an ultrasound should be able to determine what is causing it to get bigger. X-rays can diagnose if pets with an enlarged heart are already in heart failure, in which case medications are routinely started before the ultrasound is done.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Rocco. I'm sorry he isn't doing well. It could be heart disease, but it could also be a respiratory infection. As long as he isn't in respiratory distress and having severe trouble breathing, you can wait until the morning. Should he go into respiratory distress, this cannot wait until the morning. In that case, please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!

I don’t think the heart looks terribly enlarged, maybe on the big side of normal. Ask the vet who took the rads if they are able to submit them to a radiologist for review. (A radiologist is a vet who spent at least 3 additional years to do a residency to specialize and study only imaging. Their expertise is really valuable in cases that are not clear cut and obvious.) If his lab work is all normal, and a radiologist is concerned about the appearance of the heart, then it’s logical to seek out an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) by a veterinary cardiologist. If a radiologist does NOT think the heart looks questionable, and Boo’s lab work is all normal, it might be worth considering an abdominal ultrasound (sonogram of the belly) to see if there are any abnormalities there (enlarged lymph nodes, abnormal spleen, any abnormality in GI or urinary tract, etc). I hope that’s helpful, sorry there is no easy clear cut answer. Interpreting X-rays is like looking at 1 piece of a puzzle. History and clinical signs, physical exam, lab work, and other imaging all tie in to the bigger picture. If you would like to have a consult, I may be able to help you further with more information, and would do my best to help point you in the right direction. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ava Bleu. I recommend following up with a cardiologist. This will help you decide if she needs to be on medications. Approximately 10% of dogs with a heart murmur will progress to heart failure. However, the cardiologist will given you more specifics given her exact condition. I hope this information helps!

The most common cause for an enlarged heart in a smaller breed dog is disease or deterioration of the heart valves. The best test to have done is an Echocardiogram. This is an ultrasound of the heart. It allows visualization of the valves and their function, allows measurement of the thickness of the heart muscles and would allow the doctor to see any other abnormal structures. This is best done by an ultrasound specialist or a board certified pet cardiologist in order to get the most accurate and valuable information. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.