Speciality Hub · Cardiology
Expert heart care for dogs and cats
Heart disease in pets often develops quietly and can progress quickly. Our cardiology team finds the cause of murmurs, irregular rhythms and breathing changes, starts the right treatment and sets a check-up plan you can keep to, so your pet breathes easier and enjoys more good days.
Struggling to breathe, pale or blue gums, or collapse?Call +91 76763 65365
Signs to watch for
When to have your pet's heart checked
Heart and lung conditions can develop silently, with only small changes at first, so it's worth acting early. Book a heart check if you notice:
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Breathing & cough
- A cough, especially at night or after rest
- Fast or laboured breathing at rest
- Open-mouth breathing in a cat (always urgent)
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Energy & fainting
- Tiring quickly or not wanting to walk
- Fainting or collapsing
- A heartbeat that seems fast, slow or irregular
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Other changes
- A swollen belly
- A heart murmur found at a routine check
If any of these signs appear, a full heart and lung check is recommended.
What we treat
Diagnosis and treatment for heart conditions
From a murmur found at a check-up to heart failure, we find the cause, start treatment at the right time and keep checking.
Murmurs & valve disease
A murmur is the sound of turbulent blood flow. Some are harmless; others are the first sign of valve disease, the most common heart problem in older small dogs.
We look at
- How loud the murmur is and where it's heard
- The heart's size and shape on X-ray and echo
- How well the valves open and close
- Whether medicine should start now or later
Starting treatment at the right stage can delay heart failure in many dogs.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy changes the heart muscle so it pumps less well. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats; dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) affects some large-breed dogs.
Our care includes
- Echocardiography to measure the heart muscle
- Screening for breeds at higher risk
- Medicines to support the heart and prevent clots
- Regular rechecks to adjust treatment
Cats with HCM often show no signs until late, so screening matters.
Heart rhythm problems
Arrhythmias can cause weakness, fainting or collapse, or may be found by chance at a check-up.
We use
- ECG to record the heart's electrical activity
- Longer rhythm monitoring when episodes come and go
- Blood tests to look for causes outside the heart
- Medicine to control the rhythm
Some rhythm problems only show now and then, so a phone video of an episode helps.
Heart failure
Congestive heart failure happens when the heart can't keep up and fluid builds up in or around the lungs, or in the belly.
We provide
- Emergency oxygen and stabilisation when needed
- Medicines to clear fluid and support the heart
- Chest X-rays to track the lungs
- Kidney and electrolyte checks while on medicine
- A home plan, including breathing-rate checks
With good management, many pets live comfortably for a long time.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is common in older cats, often alongside kidney disease or an overactive thyroid, and can damage the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.
Our care includes
- Blood pressure measurement in a calm setting
- Tests for underlying causes
- Medicine to bring pressure down
- Regular checks to keep it under control
Sudden blindness in an older cat can be a sign of high blood pressure and needs seeing the same day.
Heart tests
Most heart tests are painless and non-invasive, and most pets stay calm with gentle handling.
Tests we may run
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
- Chest X-rays
- Blood pressure
- Pulse oximetry (oxygen level)
- Blood tests, including heart markers where useful
Sedation is rarely needed, only if a pet is very anxious or can't stay still.
An earlier diagnosis means more choice and calmer decisions.
Why a specialist
Why see a cardiology team
Heart signs overlap with lung, kidney and thyroid problems. A focused team can:
- Heart or lungs?We tell heart disease from lung or airway problems
- The right time to treatStaging so treatment starts at the right moment
- Medicines that fitChosen to suit your pet's other conditions
- Planned rechecksComplications caught early
- A clear emergency planYou'll know what to watch for and what to do
Your visit
A clear, step-by-step evaluation
Clear communication and a thorough examination from start to finish.
- Step 1 ReviewWe go through your pet's medical history in depth
- Step 2 ExamineA focused physical and specialty-specific exam
- Step 3 InvestigateWe recommend tests such as imaging, lab work or procedures, and explain why
- Step 4 ExplainWe talk you through the findings and treatment options clearly
- Step 5 PlanA care or monitoring plan made for your pet
- 20+ yrs
Running veterinary hospitals across India
- 5
Clinics that share one record for your pet
- Same day
Bloodwork and imaging results in most cases
- 24/7
Emergency and ICU backup at Domlur
Care at home
Caring for a heart patient at home
Small daily habits keep your pet comfortable and help us spot changes early. Home care usually involves the following.
Your home-care guide
Daily checks
- Counting breaths while your pet sleeps (tell us if it's regularly over 30 a minute)
- Regular rechecks, even when your pet seems well
Medicines & diet
- Giving heart medicines on time, and never stopping them suddenly
- A lower-salt diet, if advised: no salty treats or leftovers
- Keeping a healthy weight
Activity
- Gentle, regular exercise: stop if your pet tires or coughs
- Keeping cool in hot weather
If breathing is fast and laboured, or your pet collapses, call us straight away+91 76763 65365
Meet the team
Our cardiology specialists
The vets who lead our heart care. Each one works across our clinics.
Pet parents on Google
What families say
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Had a really positive experience with Cessna Lifeline Veterinary Hospital. The doctors were extremely caring, patient, and knowledgeable. They took the time to properly explain my pet’s condition and treatment plan without rushing. The staff was polite, responsive, and handled pets with genuine compassion. The clinic is clean, well-maintained, and equipped with good facilities for consultation, diagnostics, grooming, and rehabilitation. What stood out most was the attention and comfort given to pets during treatment — you can tell the team truly loves animals. Highly recommended for anyone looking for trustworthy veterinary care in Bangalore.
Susil Kumar D. -
We rushed our 10 yr old male GSD with bloat to Cessna on the night of April 29th as this was the only vet hospital open 24/7 for emergencies in Bangalore. The vets and staff immediately conducted all the necessary tests to determine that it was GDV and performed Gastropexy surgery at 1 am after explaining all possible outcomes for our pet. Professional and polite vet staff. The place has everything for a pet in distress and I highly recommend this place. We were also allowed to see our pet pre and post surgery for a few minutes and that was reassuring. We got regular video and picture updates about our pet's recovery, consultation from Dr Padam the next day via a phone call about our pet's vitals and discharge was also smooth with guidance on post operative care by the on duty Vet. Thank you for saving the life of our pet. We can never forget this.
Rekha R. -
Best facility to treat your pets, not just doctors like Dr Akshata but vet assistants like Kasim and Pharmasict Shyam are so kind and good at their job. Cessna is a blessing to all pet parents
sunil P.
From our cardiology team
Read before your visit
- CardiologyHeart Murmur in Dogs: Complete Owner's GuideHeart murmur in dogs usually signals mitral valve disease: the stages, the signs of heart failure and what changes the outlook. 11 min read
- CardiologyCongestive Heart Failure in Pets: Warning Signs GuideRapid breathing in a sleeping dog can signal fluid on the lungs. Know the warning signs and when to act. 14 min read
- CardiologyWhy Is My Dog Breathing Fast?When rapid breathing points to heart disease, fluid on the lungs or an emergency. 16 min read
Questions
Cardiology: questions pet parents ask
Something else on your mind? Call us on +91 76763 65365 or ask at your next visit.
Is a heart murmur serious?
Not always. Some murmurs, especially in puppies, are harmless and go away. Others point to heart disease. An echocardiogram shows the cause and whether treatment is needed now.
Are heart tests painful?
No. ECG, echocardiography, blood pressure and X-rays are non-invasive and painless. Most pets relax with gentle handling, and sedation is rarely needed.
Can heart disease be cured?
Most heart disease in pets can't be cured, but it can often be managed well for a long time with medicine, diet and regular checks. Starting treatment at the right stage matters.
How often should my pet's heart be checked?
Usually once a year for older pets and breeds at higher risk, and more often once heart disease is diagnosed. Your vet will set a schedule that suits your pet.
Ready when you are
Book a cardiology consult
Book at your nearest clinic and our team will call to confirm your slot. Bring any past test results and the medicines your pet is on; they help us start faster.