At Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates (CVCA), board-certified veterinary cardiologists in Vienna specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular (heart and vessels) disease in animals.
Call Our Department Contact InformationCardiology Pet Care in Vienna
While your family veterinarian can diagnose and treat many problems well, some conditions require specialized diagnostics and care to optimize the outcome for your pet.
An established leader in cardiac care, Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates (CVCA) is comprised of a team of board-certified veterinary cardiologists, cardiology residents, technicians and assistants who work together with you and your family veterinarian to achieve the highest level of care for your pet.
They are trained to diagnose and treat cardiovascular (heart and vessels) disease in pets. Treatable disorders include congestive heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative valve disease, systemic hypertension, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, and cardiac tumors.
Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist
A veterinary cardiologist is a specialist that has advanced training in the heart and circulatory system. To become a board-certified veterinary cardiologist a veterinarian usually completes a one-year internship followed by extensive specialized training in an approved residency training program (usually 3-5 years).
Evaluation of Heart Conditions
At your appointment, the cardiologist will perform a complete and thorough physical examination of your pet, and based on these initial findings, additional tests will be discussed.
They will also review your animal’s health history and current medications. Depending on your pet's condition, diagnostic testing may include:
- Echocardiography
Echocardiography covers:
- 2 and 3 dimensional
- M-mode
- Continuous and pulse wave Doppler
- Color flow Doppler
- Tissue velocity imaging
- Electrocardiography
An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is a tool used to check the heart. The beat of an animal's heart generates an electrical impulse in the region of the heart referred to as the pacemaker. The impulse passes through the heart and can then be traced on an ECG/EKG recording.
- Radiography
Often used to diagnose heart disease, a radiograph can show us the size of the heart and pulmonary vessels, in addition to fluid buildup in the lungs.
Treatment for Heart Diseases & Disorders
Specialty treatment for heart-related diseases and disorders may include:
- 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter monitor)
- Heart registry certification (ARCH and OFA)
- Cardiac catheterization
- Pacemaker implantation
- Invasive congenital heart defect repair