Under the leadership of Kristin MacDonald, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology), PhD, the Animal Care Center offers expertise for patients requiring Cardiology services

Patients may be referred to our cardiology service for evaluation of a heart murmur, and irregular rhythm, or an enlarged heart. A cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) is often performed to evaluate the structure, function, and size of the heart and to diagnose the specific type of cardiac disease present. Congenital defects present at birth or heart problems that develop as animals age can be diagnosed, and oral medical treatment may be started if needed. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be done to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart if there is an abnormal heart rhythm or if there is a complaint of fainting or collapse. A holter monitor or event monitor may be worn by the patient to go home to evaluate the heart’s electrical rhythm over a day or a week respectively. Holters are useful also to screen for Boxer cardiomyopathy. X-rays of the chest are often done to evaluate the lungs and assess whether there may be fluid in the lungs backing up from the heart (congestive heart failure), as well as to look at the overall heart size and the vessels.

Our cardiology service is equipped with state of the art technical equipment needed to perform cardiac catheterizations for implanting pacemakers, closing a patent ductus arteriosus by a percutaneous catheter based coil procedure, or for balloon dilation valvuloplasty of pulmonic stenosis. Fluoroscopy is a real time X-ray that is used for these procedures, and can also be used to evaluate for a collapsing trachea in coughing dogs.

We provide medical treatment on an outpatient or emergency basis for animals with many types of heart disease. The cardiology service works closely with the emergency service and other hospital services for a collaborative, cohesive approach to best treat your pet.

For inquiries about or scheduling or referral, please call Animal Care Center at 707.584.4343.