Veterinary Cardiology is an expanding subspecialty focused on diagnosing and managing cardiovascular disorders in companion animals, working animals and exotic species. As cardiovascular science becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, clinicians and researchers often revisit advances in Veterinary Cardiology when exploring comparative-medicine themes at a cardiology conference. The session also highlights the growing importance of comparative cardiac-disease research, which provides translational insights applicable to both human and veterinary care. With rising awareness of animal cardiac health, innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics and interventional procedures have significantly deepened the field’s clinical and scientific relevance.

This session begins by exploring the cardiovascular physiology of dogs, cats, horses and small mammals, reviewing species-specific differences in cardiac structure, conduction patterns, hemodynamics and congenital abnormalities. Participants learn how genetic predispositions shape disease patterns such as dilated cardiomyopathy in Dobermans, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine Coons, myxomatous valve degeneration in small-breed dogs and arrhythmias in equine athletes. The session also examines how environmental factors, nutrition, infectious diseases and endocrine disorders contribute to cardiovascular impairment in diverse animal populations.

Diagnostic assessment includes physical examination, auscultation, thoracic radiography, electrocardiography, echocardiography, Holter monitoring and advanced imaging. Case-based demonstrations highlight the interpretation of murmurs, arrhythmias, structural anomalies, pulmonary pressures and ventricular function. Attendees also explore how biomarkers, ambulatory monitoring and telemedicine improve early detection and follow-up.

Therapeutic approaches include pharmacologic treatment, nutritional modulation, exercise plans, mechanical interventions and rhythm-management strategies. The session reviews ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, antiarrhythmics and cardioprotective supplements commonly used in veterinary practice. Procedural innovation is highlighted through discussions of pacemaker implantation, PDA closure, balloon valvuloplasty, interventional radiology techniques and minimally invasive congenital-defect repair.

Participants also investigate emerging frontiers such as stem-cell therapy, gene-targeted approaches, wearable cardiac sensors for animals, AI-enhanced diagnostic modelling and translational research comparing animal and human cardiovascular disease. Ethical considerations, owner communication, palliative cardiac care and long-term monitoring strategies are included to support comprehensive veterinary practice.