Veterinary Cardiologist | Specialist Animal Heart Care

Cardiology for animals

Heart health is just as important in pets as it is for humans. As animals can suffer from a number of cardiac conditions, AREN Network clinics have dedicated veterinary cardiologists on-site and specialised equipment to diagnose and treat heart conditions in pets. You can always trust that your animal will get the best possible care.

We take pride in our specialty services

Veterinary cardiologists are trained to diagnose and treat heart diseases in dogs, cats and other animals. Our specialists have years of advanced knowledge of the cardiovascular system and are trained to manage complex heart conditions that general vets may not treat.

If your pet is experiencing symptoms of heart disease, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or fainting, it might be time to see a veterinary cardiologist. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing heart conditions and improving your pet’s quality of life.

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Heart disease in animals can manifest in several ways, and the type of condition will directly influence the preferred course of treatment. Some of the most common cardiac issues that can affect pets include:

Heart murmurs: A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat. It can indicate underlying heart conditions such as valve disease or congenital heart defects.
Congestive heart failure: This is when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to a build-up of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body. Symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing and lethargy.
● Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias): Abnormal heart rhythms can lead to poor blood circulation and other complications. Pets with arrhythmias may experience fainting, weakness or issues with exercise.
Dilated cardiomyopathy: This is a condition where the heart’s ability to pump blood is poor because the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged. It’s more common in certain breeds, such as Dobermans and Great Danes.
Pericardial effusion: This condition develops when fluid accumulates around the heart, putting pressure on it and impacting its ability to function efficiently. It can cause signs of heart failure and may even require emergency treatment.

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The AREN Network provides a range of cardiology services to help diagnose and treat heart conditions in pets. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to assess your pet’s heart health and develop the best treatment plan possible. Some of the services we provide include:

Echocardiography (heart ultrasound): A noninvasive imaging test that allows our vets to visualise the heart’s structure and function. It is helpful for diagnosing conditions like valve disease, cardiomyopathy and congenital heart defects.
Electrocardiography (ECG): An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart-rhythm abnormalities.
Holter monitoring: A portable device is placed on your pet to monitor their heart rate and rhythm continuously over 24 to 48 hours. Your vet will be able to glean valuable data about any intermittent heart issues.

Blood pressure measurement: High blood pressure can be a sign of heart disease or other underlying conditions. Monitoring your pet’s blood pressure is a simple way to detect and manage heart disease.
Medical management: Depending on the diagnosis, your pet may require certain medications to manage their heart condition. Our veterinary cardiologists will prescribe and adjust medicines as needed to improve your pet’s heart health.

You can visit our Greencross Vet Hospital at the University of Melbourne for specialist cardiology services. Our team of veterinary cardiologists will deliver professional, personalised care for your pet.

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When you bring your pet in for a cardiology appointment at AREN, they will be treated by our compassionate team, which is dedicated to giving your pet the care and attention they deserve. Here’s what usually happens during a cardiology appointment:

Your cardiologist will review your pet’s medical history and discuss any symptoms or concerns you might have. They will then do a physical examination to get a sense of your pet’s overall health.
Depending on their findings, your pet’s cardiologist could recommend diagnostic tests like an echocardiogram, ECG or blood pressure measurement to determine what’s causing their symptoms.
Based on the test results, your cardiologist will diagnose your pet’s heart condition and develop a treatment plan, which could include medications, lifestyle changes or, in some cases, surgery.
Heart conditions generally require ongoing monitoring. Your cardiologist will book follow-up appointments to keep an eye on your pet’s progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

The AREN Network is here for all your pet’s cardiology needs. You can take peace of mind that you’ll always receive expert and specialised care from our trained professionals who are committed to improving your pet’s heart health.

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