If your pet has been found to have a heart murmur, an irregular heartbeat, or is showing signs that may point to heart disease, such as reduced energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, or fainting, your local vet may refer you to a veterinary cardiologist for further assessment.
Heart conditions in pets can range from manageable with the right medication to complex enough to require specialist intervention, and early diagnosis can make a significant difference.
If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s movement, behaviour, or mood, speak to your local vet about whether a referral to a pain specialist might help.
About our cardiology service
We offer a dedicated cardiology service led by specialist cardiologist Dr Keaton Morgan. The service investigates and treats a wide range of cardiac conditions, including mitral valve disease, heart murmurs, arrhythmias, congenital disorders, and all forms of heart disease.
Initial assessment typically includes an echocardiogram — an ultrasound of the heart — and an ECG to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. Where needed, more advanced diagnostics are also available, including Holter monitoring, loop recorder implantation, CT scanning, and angiography.
Outpatient echocardiograms are now available at VSA’s Auckland West hospital. This allows your pet to be assessed faster as an outpatient. Results are shared by your local vet and reviewed by our team, so a diagnosis or care plan can be put in place sooner. This makes specialist cardiac assessment more readily accessible for stable pets who may otherwise face a longer wait to be seen.
Many of the pets I see are referred after their vet has picked up a murmur during a routine check, vaccine appointment or when being evaluated for a separate illness. This is often before the owner has noticed any changes at home. This is the best position to be in, because it gives us time to assess the underlying condition and if indicated, start treatment to prolong the “no symptom” stage of heart disease. This can help avoid cardiac symptoms, avoid surgery later in the animal’s life or increase stability if general anaesthesia is required for routine procedures such as dental cleanings.
Meet Dr Keaton Morgan
Dr Morgan completed his internship at the University of Guelph in Canada, followed by his cardiology residency at the University of Minnesota in the United States. He brings international specialist training and is highly experienced in interventional procedures for congenital cardiac diseases and pacemaker implantation.
Dr Morgan has a particular interest in expanding the knowledge base around cardiovascular diseases in animals and helping owners understand the condition present. His primary goal with every case is to maintain a great quality of life regardless of the disease present, and provide all options available to achieve this goal.
Puppies and kittens
Some puppies and kittens are born with heart conditions that show no obvious signs in their first weeks of life but without detection and treatment, these conditions can become life-threatening within months or first years of life.
VSA offers an affordable echocardiogram for puppies and kittens at $450, making it easier for families to get peace of mind early. If the scan does identify something that needs attention, our cardiology team will guide you and your local vet through the options. Some congenital heart conditions are covered by pet insurance, so it is always worth checking your policy before your appointment.
Additional therapies such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and laser treatment may be recommended as part of your pet’s plan and can be arranged through VSA’s wider specialist team.
Getting a referral
To access our cardiology service, speak to your local vet, who can refer you to VSA.
For more information, visit the cardiology services page or contact the team on 09 320 5645.