Dogs

What is Pericardial Effusion?

What is Pericardial Effusion?
The pericardium is a double-walled sac, sort of like a balloon inside another balloon. It holds the heart and the great vessels. Between these layers contains a small amount of fluid that serves as a lubricant and a shock absorber. In some situations the pericardial sac can accumulate excess amounts of fluid that can restrict the natural contractions of the heart -- causing poor heart function. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis and treatment of pericardial effusion.

Mitral Valve Insufficiency and the Cavalier King Charles

Mitral Valve Insufficiency
One of the loveliest breeds you may not be familiar with, but rapidly emerging in popularity, is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS). Unfortunately CKCS are susceptible to abnormalities of heart valves, most significantly an abnormality of the mitral valve called mitral valve insufficiency. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments that impact the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.