Unbreak my heart – managing cardiac emergencies

During this webinar Dr. Niek Beijerink will discuss the application of normal cardiac anatomy and physiology. First, an overview of the circulatory system will be provided, information will be provided on normal heart sounds, as well as information on the normal electrocardiogram. Second, a few case examples will be discussed, applying the normal physiological principles.

Heart murmurs in young puppies and kittens are often managed incorrectly. We know that a delay in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease can mean incorrect treatments and cause a major impact on longer term prognosis. This webinar will help guide the veterinary team through the assessment, management and prognosis of commonly encountered congenital heart diseases with plenty of practical tips and tricks for improving your knowledge on the subject. It also aims to give delegates confidence when discussing these congenital conditions with owners and colleagues. Learning Objectives: • How to identify animals that may have congenital heart disease • Understand the most appropriate tests and how to perform these well in young animals • Improve ability to detect and understand the significance of a murmur • Prognosis and treatment options available for the common congenital heart conditions seen

Feline heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis worms, is a good example of where a cat is definitely not a small dog. Infection in dogs tends to be better tolerated, the adult worms are more likely to reach patency and diagnosis and treatment are (relatively) easier than in cats. The reasons for these differences, what can be done to ensure cats avoid this infection and measures to take when cats have the infection will be explored in this webinar. The webinar will also provide an update on heartworm infection in the US, where resistance to heartworm preventives is evolving while researchers seek to understand the factors that led to the genesis of resistance and new solutions, whilst heartworm infection continues to spread. The implications that climate change may have on the epidemiology of heartworm disease will be explored.