Some breeds of animals are known to be at higher risk of heart disease.  If you are intending to breed your animal, and it is a breed for which cardiac disease is known or suspected to be inherited, you should have your animal screened for heart problems prior to breeding. 

 

Some common breeds at risk are: Maine coon cats, Ragdoll cats, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Doberman pinschers and boxer dogs.  Other breeds can also be at higher risk.

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Genetic testing is available for some cardiac diseases.  Where testing negative for the genes that are known to result in heart disease does not guarantee a healthy heart, it's a great addition to your screening regimen prior to breeding.