Board Certified Cardiologists are veterinarians who have received advanced training after veterinary school in the diagnosis and management of diseases and conditions that affect the heart, lungs, and the vascular system in animals. They have typically completed one or more internships and a 3-5 year residency in an approved program. In addition, they have passed numerous exams and received certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Cardiology, a certification that only those with the most extensive training and education can receive. In other words, they are individuals who have dedicated years of their life to study and practical training in their chosen specialty far beyond what a typical graduate veterinarian would receive.

Some of the conditions that Board-certified cardiologists may diagnose and treat include:

• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy (diseases of the muscle of the heart)
• Degenerative mitral valve disease (age related changes to the valves of the heart)
• Congenital (present at birth) heart defects
• Cardiac arrhythmias (problems with the rate and/or rhythm of your animal’s heart)
• Diseases of the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart)
• Tumors that effect the heart and blood vessels
• Systemic Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)

Board-certified cardiologists work closely with your family veterinarian and are an integral part of the team once a cardiac problem is detected. Cardiologists are able to perform specialized testing to diagnose and characterize an animal’s heart condition that your family veterinarian may not offer. The tests performed may include:

• Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound)
• Electrocardiography (ECG)
• Blood pressure measurement and monitoring
• Holter monitor – 24 hour ECG performed at home
• Radiography (x-rays) of the chest and lungs

In addition, board-certified cardiologists can perform advanced procedure when necessary. These include:

• Cardiac catheterization procedures
• Interventional Cardiology:
  • Pacemaker implantation (for animals with too slow of a heart rate)
  • Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
  • Balloon Valvuloplasties (Valvular Stenosis)

VCA West Coast Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital strongly believes in the triad of care. You, your family veterinarian, and your cardiologist will become a team working together to provide your pet with the best care possible.

If you or your veterinarian believe your pet may benefit from an evaluation with a cardiologist, please contact us. Additional information is available at www.acvim.org.