The role of the veterinary nurse in homecare for the cardiac patient

Cardiac disease is common in small animals. Cardiomyopathies in cats are the most common form of heart disease, with a reported prevalence of around 15% of the feline population affected (Payne et al, 2015) and cardiovascular disease among the top ten causes of death in cats (O'Neill et al, 2015). It is estimated that 10% of all dogs presented to primary care veterinary practice have heart disease, with degenerative valve disease representing approximately 75% of these cases (Keene et al, 2019). The most frequent causes of canine death identified among UK purebred dogs were cancer, ‘old age’ and cardiac disease (Adams et al, 2010).

With the majority of cardiac disease being degenerative in nature, patients are likely to deteriorate gradually as their disease progresses and are at risk of developing life-limiting sequelae including congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and aortic thromboembolism. At all stages, patients can be managed at home with regular rechecks, a suitably tailored home care plan and good communication with the veterinary team.