Mobile Cardiology Services

All my consultations include a complete cardiovascular physical examination, blood pressure measurement, as well as a review of all pertinent previous medical history, lab work, and thoracic radiographs. Each consultation also includes a detailed written report and any future phone/email communications with the primary care veterinarian until the next recommended recheck with me. 

Complete echocardiographic evaluations (2D, M-Mode, colour and spectral Doppler) are performed using the most advanced portable ultrasound system from GE (premium Vivid iq system). Reports are generated using the EchoPAC software. This is a non-invasive test (like an ultrasound for pregnancy) which enables detailed evaluation of the cardiac structure and function. Most studies include a one-lead ECG (as long as tolerated by the patient). 

I provide complete 6-12-lead ECG which can help to diagnose complex arrhythmias (cardiac rhythm abnormalities) better than a single lead ECG. If an arrhythmia is noted during an echocardiographic evaluation, a 6-12-lead ECG can be easily added to the evaluation to better define the underlying arrhythmia.

Holter monitors provide an extended period of rhythm analysis (24-48 hours) and are very useful in patients with a history of syncope, exercise intolerance or weakness. Holter monitors are also used to identify patients with occult (asymptomatic) heart disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, as well as determine the frequency of an arrhythmia or assess response to anti-arrhythmic therapy.

Prior to an anesthetic event, those patients who are asymptomatic but have physical evidence of heart disease (such as a heart murmur) can be evaluated with a thorough cardiovascular examination and an echocardiogram to define the cause of the murmur but also evaluate anesthetic risk. Following the evaluation, an anesthetic plan can be tailored which accounts for the patient’s underlying heart disease with a risk assessment provided.

Breeders may seek cardiac evaluation prior to breeding (particularly in high-risk breeds) to confirm heart health. I offer complete cardiac screening (echocardiography, Holter monitoring) for animals that will be used in a breeding program (OFA certification).