Veterinary Cardiology for Dogs and Cats in Southeastern Michigan
Advanced Heart Care. Clear Answers. A Plan Tailored to Your Pet.
When your family veterinarian detects a heart murmur, abnormal rhythm, breathing concern, or another possible heart problem, you want answers you can understand and a specialist you can trust.
The Cardiology Department at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services provides echocardiograms, diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment for dogs and cats. Our board-certified veterinary cardiologist works closely with pet owners, family veterinarians, and other OVRS specialists to understand each patient’s condition and develop a plan centered on comfort, quality of life, and the best possible medical outcome.
REQUEST A CARDIOLOGY APPOINTMENT
Is Your Pet Having an Emergency?
Difficulty breathing, sudden collapse, blue or very pale gums, severe weakness, or an inability to rest comfortably may require immediate care. OVRS Emergency and Critical Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your pet is experiencing urgent symptoms, please call (248) 334-6877 rather than waiting for a cardiology appointment.
Why Has My Pet Been Referred to a Veterinary Cardiologist?
Veterinary cardiologists receive advanced training in heart and circulatory diseases. Your family veterinarian may recommend a cardiology consultation when an examination or diagnostic test suggests that your pet would benefit from more specialized evaluation.
A referral does not necessarily mean that your pet has a serious or life-threatening heart condition. Some murmurs and rhythm changes require monitoring rather than immediate treatment. A cardiology evaluation can help determine what is happening, whether treatment is needed, and what you may expect in the future.
OVRS does not replace your family veterinarian. We serve as an extension of their care, providing specialized expertise and advanced diagnostics while keeping your veterinarian informed of our findings and recommendations.
Signs That May Warrant a Cardiology Evaluation
Heart disease can affect pets in different ways. Some dogs and cats show no outward symptoms and are referred after a routine exam detects a murmur or abnormal rhythm. Others may experience noticeable changes at home.
Your veterinarian may recommend a cardiology consultation for:
- A heart murmur or abnormal heart sounds
- Coughing or difficult breathing
- Exercise intolerance or fainting
- Fluid accumulation in or around the lungs, abdomen, or other body cavities
- High blood pressure
- Monitoring before anesthesia or surgery
- Cardiac screening for certain breeds or breeding animals
Because coughing, weakness, breathing changes, and collapse can have several possible causes, diagnostic testing helps distinguish heart disease from respiratory, neurologic, metabolic, and other medical conditions.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Cardiology Appointment
An initial cardiology consultation generally takes approximately one to two hours. The visit length may vary depending on your pet’s needs and the diagnostic testing recommended.
1. Review of Your Pet’s Medical History
Our team will review your pet’s symptoms, medications, previous test results, and relevant medical records. We will also ask about changes you have noticed at home, such as coughing, breathing patterns, activity level, appetite, weakness, or collapse.
2. Physical and Cardiac Examination
The cardiology team will examine your pet and listen carefully to the heart and lungs. This evaluation helps guide recommendations for additional testing.
3. Diagnostic Testing
Your cardiologist will recommend the tests most likely to provide useful information about your pet’s condition. Not every patient needs every available test. We will explain what is recommended and why before proceeding.
4. Results and Treatment Planning
Whenever possible, the cardiologist will discuss the findings with you during the visit. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and review recommendations for medication, monitoring, follow-up testing, lifestyle changes, or additional care.
A report containing findings and recommendations will be provided to your family veterinarian to support continuity of care.
Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics and Services
OVRS offers advanced technology to assess your pet's heart structure, function, and electrical activity.
Echocardiography
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of the heart. It allows the cardiologist to evaluate the heart’s chambers, valves, walls, movement, and blood flow in real time.
Three-Dimensional Echocardiography
Three-dimensional imaging may provide additional anatomical detail and help the cardiologist evaluate certain cardiac structures and abnormalities.
Doppler Echocardiography
Doppler technology measures the direction and speed of blood moving through the heart. This information can help identify abnormal blood flow, valve problems, and pressure changes.
Electrocardiography
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, records the heart’s electrical activity and helps identify abnormal rhythms.
Holter and Event Monitoring
Portable monitors record heart rhythm information while a pet is at home and participating in normal daily activities. A Holter monitor typically records continuously for a designated period, while an event monitor may be used to capture intermittent episodes.
Telemetry
Continuous wireless electrocardiography allows the medical team to monitor a hospitalized patient’s heart rhythm.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Doppler and oscillometric blood pressure measurements help identify hypertension or low blood pressure and support treatment decisions.
Digital Radiography
Chest X-rays can help evaluate heart size, the lungs, blood vessels, and signs of fluid accumulation or other disease.
Pre-Anesthetic and Pre-Surgical Cardiac Screening
Pets with murmurs, known heart disease, breed-related risks, or other concerns may benefit from cardiac evaluation before anesthesia or surgery.
OFA Cardiac Certification
Cardiac screening may be available for breeders seeking Orthopedic Foundation for Animals documentation and certification.
A Treatment Plan Designed Around Your Pet
Heart disease affects every pet differently. Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity of disease, symptoms, other health conditions, and your family’s goals.
Your pet’s plan may include:
- Cardiac medications
- Treatment for congestive heart failure
- Blood pressure management
- Nutrition or activity recommendations
- At-home monitoring
- Repeat diagnostic testing
- Recheck examinations
- Coordination with another OVRS specialty
- Ongoing care with your family veterinarian
We will explain what each recommendation is intended to accomplish, what changes to watch for at home, and when to re-evaluate your pet.
Collaborative Care With Your Family Veterinarian
Your family veterinarian remains an essential part of your pet’s healthcare team.
Before the appointment, your veterinarian can send medical records, laboratory results, X-rays, medication history, and the reason for referral. Having this information in advance helps our cardiology team prepare for the consultation and may reduce unnecessary delays or repeated testing.
After the visit, OVRS will share relevant findings, diagnostic results, and treatment recommendations with your veterinarian. Depending on your pet’s needs, follow-up care may take place at OVRS, with your family veterinarian, or through a coordinated combination of both.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Cardiology Visit
A little preparation can help you get the most from your appointment.
Before arriving:
- Ask your veterinarian to send pertinent medical records and diagnostic results.
- Complete the Cardiology Medication Form.
- Bring all medications and supplements your pet currently receives, or bring a complete list that includes dosages and schedules.
- Do not discontinue heart medication unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.
- Bring videos of coughing, breathing changes, weakness, or collapse if you have captured them safely.
- Write down your questions and concerns.
- Share financial concerns early so our team can discuss recommendations and priorities with you.
Please follow any instructions provided when your appointment is scheduled. If your pet’s anticipated testing requires special preparation, our team will let you know.
COMPLETE MEDICATION FORM PDF VERSION
Understanding Cardiology Costs and Estimates
A cardiology visit may include a specialist consultation and one or more diagnostic tests. The recommended testing—and therefore the cost—will depend on your pet’s symptoms, medical history, previous results, and physical examination.
After evaluating your pet, we will discuss recommended next steps and provide an estimate whenever possible. We want you to understand the recommendations and participate in decisions about your pet’s care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet need a referral?
We encourage a referral from your family veterinarian because it helps ensure the cardiology team receives the relevant history, test results, and reason for consultation. If you are uncertain about the referral or scheduling process, call OVRS at (248) 334-6877.
How long will the first visit take?
Initial consultations generally take approximately one to two hours. Complex cases or additional testing may take longer.
Will my pet need every test listed on this page?
No. Testing is based on your pet’s history, examination, and individual needs. The cardiology team will explain which tests are recommended and how the results may affect the treatment plan.
Will my pet need sedation?
Many cardiac tests can be performed while a pet is awake. Whether sedation is advisable depends on the patient, the procedure, and the pet’s ability to remain comfortable and still. The team will discuss this with you if sedation is being considered.
Will I receive results during the appointment?
Whenever possible, your cardiologist will discuss findings and initial recommendations with you during the visit. Some results or consultations with other services may take additional time.
What if my pet develops breathing problems or collapses before the appointment?
Do not wait for the scheduled cardiology consultation. Call OVRS at (248) 334-6877 for guidance and seek emergency veterinary care.
Specialized Heart Care When Your Pet Needs More
A heart-related diagnosis can feel frightening, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The OVRS Cardiology Department combines advanced diagnostics, specialized expertise, compassionate care, and clear communication to help you understand your pet’s condition and the options ahead.
Call (248) 334-6877 or request an appointment online.