Cardiology Service

The Cardiology Service provides diagnosis and therapy for cardiovascular disease in both large and small animals. They address not only heart problems, but problems related to blood circulation and the chest, including high blood pressure, fungal pneumonia, or coughs.

Technicians take a cat's blood pressure with both traditional equipment (lower part of photo) and a newer, more advanced unit (screen in background) that provides visual readouts instead of requiring a technician to listen for heart sounds. Later, they will compare readings from the two units as part of a study on hypertension, or high blood pressure. On animals, blood pressure is taken with a cuff placed around a foreleg or around a tail.

Highlights of the Service

• Wisconsin’s only board certified veterinary cardiologist
• State-of-the-art equipment
• In-depth analysis of hypertension (high blood pressure). Dogs and cats get high blood pressure for different reasons than people do, and hypertension in animals can have severe medical consequences (e.g. blindness, kidney damage). The best way to detect and treat hypertension in dogs and cats is the focus of ongoing clinical research in the UW Cardiology Service.
• If an animal requires surgery, certified anesthesiologists, surgeons and other specialty staff are close at hand.

A cardiology technician obtains a blood pressure measurement from the front leg of a German Short-haired Pointer.

Common Problems

Exercise intolerance, coughing, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen are signs of problems that might require the attention of a cardiologist. Common reasons for referral to the hospital include:

• Congenital or inherited diseases like heart murmurs
• Acquired diseases, such as, malfunctioning heart valves in older patients
• Myocardial disease or problems with the heart muscle
• Thoracic (chest) infections, for example, a deep cough or pneumonia

Sometimes, clients may have the opportunity to have their pets participate in clinical drug trials to explore new medical therapies for heart failure. Participation in these trials is completely voluntary. Before owners are asked to make a choice, they are given complete information about the drug being investigated. Animals that participate in these trials are pioneering the way for better treatments for animals, and sometimes for humans as well.

Special Equipment and Procedures

Animals diagnosed with heart problems may need special procedures:

• Doppler Echocardiogram (Ultrasound)
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Pacemaker Implant
• Balloon Valvuloplasty
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Costs

Diagnostic workup - $65 - $500

Surgery (pacemaker, catheterizations, valvuloplasty) - $1,800-$2,400

Routine Service Hours

Appointments are available Monday through Thursday mornings.

Most animals are either referred because a local veterinarian recognizes signs that point to a heart or blood circulation problem, or are self-referred by breeders who want their potential breeding stock evaluated for heart defects before they commit the animal to a breeding program.

During an appointment, patients are seen by the student and clinician on cardiology duty at the time. A routine series of tests will help the doctor pinpoint the cause of the problem. Tests may include radiographs, an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram (ultrasound), and a blood pressure evaluation. Generally, owners can expect to arrive for their appointment, then leave the animal at the hospital for the day to allow tests to be performed, and can pick their animal back up at the end of the day. If additional procedures are needed, the owner can schedule them at that time.

Go to Appointment Information.

Links

Cardiology Information for Pet Owners: www.vetmedcenter.com

Faculty Members:

Rebecca L. Stepien, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Heidi Kellihan, DVM, DACVIM

Resident:

Tai Casagrande, DVM