Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the human population. It is also a leading cause of death in our canine friends, with a prevalence of around 11% of the total dog population. Researchers note the lifetime incidence of some age-related cardiac diseases approaches 100%. Dr. Fred Brewer.
In addition to protecting your dog’s heart health with wide-ranging preventative services, Bloomfield Animal Hospital is pleased to provide specialty expertise to accurately and promptly detect and treat many heart problems. Visiting physician Dr. Fred Brewer is your answer to the question, “What veterinary cardiologist is near me in Lakewood, California?”
What does a veterinary cardiologist do?
Cardiologists like Dr. Brewer are board-certified, which means they specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart in our precious animal companions. Some of these conditions include:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Diseases of the heart muscle (i.e., cardiomyopathy)
- Age-related changes to the valves or degenerative mitral valve disease
- Congenital birth defects
- Arrhythmias or anomalies in the rate and/or rhythm of the heart
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Tumors
What additional training or experience does a veterinary heart specialist have?
Generally, veterinary cardiologists like Dr. Brewer must pass a rigorous exam and other requirements to attain board certification through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Additional training largely spans an internship and an approved residency program of three to five years. After completing a year-long internship at the California Animal Hospital Veterinary Specialty Group in West Los Angeles, Dr. Brewer went on to Cornell University for a three-year cardiology residency, which included instruction in minimally invasive treatments, including as pacemakers. You can trust Dr. Brewer’s considerable expertise and knowledge of advanced interventions to support your pet’s happiest, longest life.
What are some common signs of heart problems in dogs?
Dogs may not tolerate exercise or physical activity well. They may be weak, cough, and have labored breathing. When fluid pools in the abdomen, it may produce a swollen belly. The lack of oxygen in the blood can result in a slight blue tinge to the skin and membranes. Your dog may show a lack of interest in food and lose weight. More rarely, dogs with cardiovascular disease may have swollen legs, a yellow hue to their eyes and skin, and bloody mucous. Heart diseases are unlike diseases that affect other organs in that they generally do not go away and almost always progress to become more serious. It is essential to contact us right away if you notice any changes with your pet. To protect your pet’s health, we must first understand the source of any changes. With an accurate diagnosis, we can recommend the most appropriate next steps.
What technologies do you use to detect heart problems?
Our on-site capabilities include ultrasound technology. This equipment is similar to that used in human medicine. It presents a non-invasive and painless way for our team to evaluate the function and health of the heart and other organs. This ultrasound imaging may be used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures and services. In addition to Dr. Brewer, clients and patients of Bloomfield Animal Hospital can also benefit from the knowledge and experience of our visiting Board-certified radiologist, Dr. Amy Reed.
With such considerable depth and breadth of diagnostic and therapeutic services under one roof, you can count on our team in Lakewood, CA, when you suspect the worst. We encourage you to reach out to us to schedule a routine wellness check before changes arise that necessitate an emergency visit. Call us at (562) 383-7788 to schedule your appointment today.
