Cardiology
The VHC primary care cardiology service offers primary care level diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in veterinary patients. In order to determine the cause of a heart problem, the cardiology service offers echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart), radiographs, ECGs and ambulatory electrocardiograms (Holter monitoring, event monitoring, and implantable loop recorders), as well as biomarker testing.
If a heart problem is found, in addition to the VHC primary care cardiology-dedicated clinician and staff, the VHC works closely with ACVIM board certified specialists for ultrasound image interpretation and patient care recommendations. Collectively, the aim is to offer a variety of treatment options, tailored for the needs of each patient and their family. If surgical intervention is required, pre-surgical evaluation and guidance for referral is provided when necessary. Interventional procedures such as transvenous pacemaker implantation and PDA occlusion can be performed on a case-by-case basis. For emergency treatment, the Veterinary Health Center Intensive Care Unit has oxygen cages and telemetry monitoring available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For most routine appointments, the VHC patient’s family will be invited to the Cardiology examination room to have in person communication with cardiology-specific team members and veterinary students about their concerns and to observe the echocardiogram. VHC patient comfort is a high priority, and we feel that family participation is an important part of patient care.
Services:
- Echocardiography
- Diastology
- Thoracic radiographs
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Ambulatory electrocardiograms
- OFA certification (intermittently)
- Congenital heart disease screening
- Systolic function assessment
- Cardiac biomarkers
- Telehealth consultation
- Pacemaker implantation (case-by-case basis)
- PDA occlusion (case-by-case basis)