Canine cardiac screening schemes & general screener guidelines.

The Kennel Club and VCS only have one official breed cardiac screening scheme, which is for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Other official schemes may result from the results of the canine development days but in the meanwhile CSAG  has created guidelines for various breeds based on the known or suspected prevalence of certain cardiac diseases within those breeds.  The guidance relates specifically to the disease/s being screened for.

Anxiolytics may be used at the discretion of the cardiologist.  If a screening without anxiolytics proves too difficult in a highly anxious dog, or results are thought to be influenced excessively by high stress levels, the cardiologist can suggest that the dog is presented on a different occasion.  The primary care vet can prescribe anxiolytics such as gabapentin and trazadone which gives the possibility for reassessment and new paperwork with medication.