At Davies Veterinary Specialists, our experienced veterinary cardiology team provides advanced care for pets with heart and circulatory system conditions. Heart disease in pets can range from mild murmurs to life-threatening conditions such as arrhythmias and heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving outcomes and ensuring a better quality of life for your pet.
The treatment and management of heart and some circulatory system conditions
Comprehensive Veterinary Cardiology Services
Our veterinary cardiology team offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services, including:
- Heart Murmurs: Prompt evaluation is recommended, especially in young puppies and kittens. Early intervention for congenital heart disease often leads to improved outcomes. We offer a fixed-fee puppy and kitten murmur evaluation clinic for £295, which includes the initial visit and diagnosis.
- Arrhythmias (Irregular Heart Rhythms): Diagnosed and managed with cutting-edge techniques.
- Respiratory Symptoms: We treat pets presenting with coughing, laboured breathing, or exercise intolerance.
- Collapse or Fainting Episodes: Thorough investigations are conducted to identify underlying cardiac issues.
- Congenital Cardiac Defects: Conditions such as pulmonic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are treated with minimally invasive techniques, including balloon valvuloplasty and PDA occlusion.
- Pericardial and Pleural Effusions: Managed with advanced veterinary diagnostic and surgical techniques.
Patients with severe heart conditions, such as heart failure or serious arrhythmias, may need to stay with us for monitoring and treatment over several days. However, many pets are admitted on a day-patient basis for diagnostic tests and procedures.
For breeds prone to hereditary heart conditions, we also provide pre-breeding cardiac assessments to help ensure the health of future generations.
We are the only centre in the UK (and part of a handful in the world) to perform electrophysiology studies and radiofrequency ablation for cardiac arrhythmias. Fellow specialists often refer challenging cases needing operations like cardiovascular intervention to us.
Advanced Veterinary Diagnostics and Treatments
At Davies, we utilise state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques to ensure the best possible care for your pet:
- Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound): A key diagnostic tool, our ultrasounds use spectral and colour flow Doppler imaging for detailed heart evaluations.
- Thoracic Radiographs and Electrocardiograms (ECGs): For comprehensive cardiac and respiratory assessments.
- Holter Monitoring: 24-hour ECG monitoring to investigate episodic collapse or evaluate arrhythmias.
- Interventional Cardiology: Minimally invasive procedures, such as:
- Balloon Valvuloplasty: Used to treat severe pulmonic stenosis.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Occlusion: Corrects congenital defects by inserting a special device to stop abnormal blood flow.
- Artificial Pacemaker Implantation: For symptomatic bradyarrhythmias, such as complete heart block.
- Pericardial Effusion Drainage: Often followed by surgical removal of the pericardium for recurrent cases.
- Electrophysiology Studies and Radiofrequency Ablation: Davies is one of the only centres in the UK, and among a few worldwide, offering these advanced veterinary cardiology treatments for arrhythmias.
Our team also manages chronic airway diseases and chronic coughing through bronchoscopy investigations and foreign body removal, if necessary.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
Veterinary cardiology often overlaps with other veterinary disciplines. At Davies, our veterinary cardiology specialists work closely with internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and other departments to ensure a multidisciplinary approach. This collaborative effort provides our patients with comprehensive care and the best possible outcomes.
Dedicated Veterinary Cardiology Team
Our veterinary cardiology team is committed to providing exceptional care for every pet referred to us. Whether performing advanced diagnostics or managing complex heart conditions, our pet cardiologists ensure each patient receives tailored treatment designed to improve their quality of life.
Veterinary Referrals and Contact
If you are a referring vet or a pet owner seeking specialist veterinary cardiology care, please contact Davies Veterinary Specialists today. Our goal is to provide prompt, thorough, and compassionate care for every patient.
Meet the Team
Lara Barron
RCVS-recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology
Head of Cardiology Service
DVM MS DACVIM-CA (Cardiology) MRCVS
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Medicine subspecialty of Cardiology
"So knowledgeable and understanding. Really kept us in the loop with updates and were clear on the issues and potential solutions."
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Related Links
Cardiology Problems in Dogs and Cats | Referral Vets | Emergency Vets