Cardiology

Everyone knows the heart is a vital organ, but what can you do when your pet’s heart isn’t working the way it should? Veterinary Medical Referral Service’s cardiology team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions relating to your pet’s heart and lungs, including:

• Congestive heart failure
• Damage to the heart muscle or valves
• Coughing and other breathing problems
• Congenital (present at birth) defects
• Cardiac arrhythmias (problems with the rate and/or rhythm of your pet's heart)

Dr. Kelly Wessberg, a board-certified cardiologist, will begin by performing a thorough physical examination of your pet. She will listen to the heart and look for evidence of fluid accumulation in the abdomen or other parts of the body. Further diagnostics are often indicated when we suspect heart disease and these can include:

• Chest X-rays
• ECG
• Echocardiogram
• Doppler echocardiography
• Blood pressure measurement
• Holter monitor
• Event monitor
• Telemetry

If your pet has a heart condition, we will then begin treatment with medications and/or procedures including stents and even the placement of a pacemaker. Our cardiology team will work to help your pet live their life to the fullest extent.