Cardiology

Veterinary Cardiology Services

Echocardiography

This is used to investigate heart murmurs detected in puppies and kittens, allows assessment of the type and severity of congenital heart disease. These patients vary from having mild ejection murmurs with no structural abnormalities to severe, life-limiting heart disease.  Early treatment, where possible, can be discussed and implemented and the condition monitored.

In cats, echocardiography is advisable to investigate incidental murmurs, a gallop rhythm or arrhythmias, as feline cardiomyopathies often produce no clinical signs until advanced heart disease is present. In large breed dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy is a particular concern, so any heart murmur or arrhythmia would justify further investigation. 

Surgical Correction of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

This can be performed by our experienced specialist soft tissue surgery department. They are also involved in pericardial effusion cases when pericardiectomy is recommended; this is frequently performed thoracoscopically following advanced imaging with our specialist diagnostic imaging service. We also utilise the expertise of our anaesthesia department in looking after the often high-risk cardiac cases.

Congestive Heart Failure

Patients with congestive heart failure can be thoroughly investigated and stabilised, optimising treatment to give a better quality and, in many cases, prolonged life.

Syncopal & Collapsing Patients

In syncopal and collapsing patients, determining the actual system involved is at times challenging and these patients can particularly benefit from the multi-disciplinary service that Pride Veterinary Referrals offers, where we work in collaboration with colleagues from medicine and neurology.

Cardiology Facilities

Our facilities include:

• A dedicated cardiac ultrasound machine
• Electrocardiography
• 24-hour ambulatory ECG (Holter) monitoring
• Plus, utilising digital radiography, CT scanner and MRI scanner