Veterinary specialists undergo the same rigorous training as their human doctor counterparts. This includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of veterinary school, at least one year of internship, and three years of residency training in their area of expertise. In addition to their state and national licensing exams, they must pass two rigorous board examinations, and many specialists also have a research and publication requirement – this qualifies them as ‘board-certified’.
Your veterinarian may recommend evaluation by a cardiologist if your pet is experiencing symptoms of a heart problem (such as coughing, difficult breathing, collapse, fainting, or weakness), or if they find something on a physical examination that suggests a heart condition may be present (such as a heart murmur, an arrhythmia, or abnormal lung sounds). Additionally, certain breeds of dog and cat are highly predisposed to heart disease, and a screening visit may be recommended as early diagnosis could improve their quality of life.
Echocardiogram – A special type of ultrasound that images the heart from multiple angles. This test lets us visualize the heart beating in real-time so we can assess the size of the chambers, the strength of contraction (pumping of the heart), and look for any leaky valves, holes in the heart, or restrictions in blood flow. A veterinary cardiologist is the only doctor certified to perform this test.
Electrocardiogram – Also known as ECG or EKG. This measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is the test we use to assess abnormal heart rhythms and look for causes of abnormal heart rates (i.e., too fast or too slow).
Thoracic Radiographs – These are x-rays of the chest. They allow us to see the lungs to look for fluid, infection, and cancer. The overall size of the heart can be analyzed (but not with the level of detail that an echocardiogram affords).
Laboratory tests – The most commonly performed bloodwork evaluates kidney function and electrolytes, as many medications used to treat the heart can have side-effects on the kidneys. Other blood tests (including thyroid levels etc.) are sometimes recommended.
Blood pressure – A blood pressure is obtained using an inflatable cuff placed around the leg, and a special crystal that picks up sound waves coming from blood vessels in the paw. This is similar to the method used in human patients, but requires extra training. Two veterinary technicians work together to keep the pet calm while multiple measurements are taken.
Visit our education page for informational handouts and instructional videos.
Check this link for our current partners, and talk to your primary vet about Apex Veterinary Specialists.
We have partnered with several locations in the Bay Area to deliver emergent care to the cardiac patients that need it most. Check out our current partners for more information.
Stay tuned: we are working on ways to expand our network of care for the many patients in need of chronic treatment.