Cardiology

Just like people, pets can suffer from a wide range of heart-related issues, including congenital heart defects, heart murmurs, and heart failure. Cardiology is the branch of veterinary medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart and circulatory system conditions in animals.

Our veterinary cardiology services involve thorough diagnostic testing, using, for example:
• GE Vivid Q ultrasound sytem (advanced imaging)
• Computerised ECG
• High definition blood pressure monitoring
• Holter recorders (a portable wearable device for your pet to wear for a period of time)
• High-definition oscillometric blood pressure monitor (non-invasive, fast, accurate results)

Common Heart Conditions in Pets

Heart disease can affect pets of all ages and breeds, although some conditions are more prevalent in older animals or certain breeds. The most common heart conditions in pets include:

1. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

This condition occurs when the heart can’t pump blood efficiently, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs or abdomen. CHF can develop from untreated heart disease and it often requires long-term management.

2. Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. It can be caused by turbulent blood flow due to valve defects or structural abnormalities in the heart.

3. Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are common types of heart disease in pets. DCM often affects large dog breeds, while HCM is more common in cats. Both conditions affect the heart muscle’s ability to function properly.

4. Arrhythmias

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. It can be caused by an underlying heart condition or other health issues.

Book an Appointment

Prescription Refill

Contact Us

Register Your Pet

What is otoscopy?

An otoscopy is one of the ways we make sure your pet’s ears stay healthy and comfortable. It’s a simple procedure where we use a small tool called an otoscope — equipped with a light and a magnifying lens or camera — to look gently inside your pet’s ear canal and check the eardrum. This gives our team a clear view of what’s happening deeper in the ear, helping us diagnose issues accurately and choose the best treatment for your pet.

Why do we perform otoscopy?

We may recommend an otoscopic exam if your pet is showing signs that their ears are bothering them. Some common reasons include:
• Chronic ear infections: Ongoing or recurring infections that don’t fully clear up.
• Scratching or head shaking: Pets who seem unusually irritated by their ears.
• Ear discharge: Any unusual fluid, especially if it has a smell or odd colour.
• Changes in hearing: Reduced responsiveness or suspected hearing loss.
• Redness or swelling: Visible irritation or inflammation inside the ear.
• Head tilt or balance changes: Loss of balance, persistent tilting or circling.

Our aim is always to make the experience as gentle and stress free as possible while getting to the root of the problem quickly, so your pet can feel like themselves again.