At Southview Vets, we are proud to offer a dedicated small animal cardiology service for your pets.
This service is led by veterinary surgeon Deirdre Sheehan, a certificate holder in Small Animal Cardiology.
We offer gold standard diagnostics and the latest in medical treatment for your pet’s heart and lung disease.
Modern cardiac treatment options can keep your pet happy and healthy for longer than ever even when heart disease is diagnosed.
We prioritise your pet’s comfort always. Tests are safe and non-invasive and usually sedation is not necessary.
What Cardiology services do we offer?
- Routine and Emergency referrals and first opinion work
- Full Doppler echocardiography
- ECG
- Holter monitoring
- Digital radiography
- Pericardiocentesis (draining of pericardial effusions)
- Pre Breeding heart screening
- Specialised anaesthesia protocols for cardiac, geriatric and high risk patients
- Review of ECGs, radiographs and echo images - FOC service for referring vets
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When is heart testing recommended?
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What to expect on the day
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Additional Information for Owners
When is heart testing recommended?
Your vet may recommend cardiac testing in the following scenarios:
- Murmur investigation
- Collapsing/Syncope
- Arrhythmia investigation
- Breathing difficulties
- Ascites investigation
- Pre Breeding screening
What to expect on the day
What to expect on the day
- Ring ahead: Whether it is a routine check or an emergency, it is always a good idea to let us know that you’re coming. Ring ahead, and if you have been referred to us by your vet, please also ensure they have filled out the referral form on our website.
- Administer their tablets: If your pet is currently on medication of any sort, please ensure they have taken their medication as usual on the day of the appointment.
- Sedation: Most of our cardiology patients do not need any sedation. The tests we need to do are generally non invasive and gentle. However, if you know that your pet is especially fearful of being examined, we can offer some gentle sedation to put them at ease. If this is the case, please fast them the morning of their appointment; it is ok to give water and tablets, but no meals please!
- Appointment time: Most visits to the cardiologist involve doing some tests. When testing is required, your pet will likely need to stay with us for a full or half day. If you have time constraints on the day please let us know ahead of time and we will always do our best to accommodate you.
- Hair clipped: For some tests we may need to clip some hair on your pet’s chest or legs. If your pet is a show animal please let us know and we can avoid this where necessary.
- Timing of results: We will give the results of most heart tests verbally to you on the day. Your vet will then get a follow up report by email, and if necessary by phone call also, within 72 hours of being seen.
Additional Information for Owners
Click on the below points for more information: