Small Animal Cardiology at VSA - Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa | Veterinary Specialist and Animal Referral Services in NZ with 3 specialist animal hospitals in Auckland and Christchurch

Cardiology at VSA

Specialist Veterinary Cardiology

What is VSA Cardiology?

 

VSA Cardiology is a multi-faceted service centered around the heart; the most vital organ in the body.

We investigate and treat all kinds of murmurs, arrhythmias or compatible signs for heart disease. Initial diagnostics include an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) and ECG to evaluate the structure and function of the heart.
 
More advanced diagnostics are also available when needed such as 24-hour Holter monitoring, CT scan or angiography. This allows the most effective treatment to be initiated whether that be medical or surgical.
 
We also specialise in minimally invasive interventional procedures. This only requires access to a vessel in the leg to fix a variety of cardiac conditions including vessel occlusion (i.e. patent ductus arteriosus), balloon valvuloplasty (pulmonic stenosis, subaortic stenosis) and artificial pacemaker placement. 
 
 
Dr Keaton Morgan, Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology at VSA

Watch Dr Keaton Morgan explain more about VSA’s specialist veterinary Cardiology service. 

We provide advanced cardiology diagnostic services

We provide advanced diagnostic services:

Echocardiogram:
An Echocardiogram, often referred to as an Echo is an ultrasound of the heart.  It gives the cardiologist an image of the inside of the heart to determine how well the heart muscle is pumping, how well the valves are working and whether any defects are present inside the heart.

CT:
A CT scan is a 3-dimensional x-ray which is available for complex congenital heart disease and surgical planning if required in specific circumstances.

Electrocardiogram:

An Electrocardiogram is a recording that evaluates the electrical activity of the heart over 5 minutes.

This helps to diagnose the cause of an abnormal heartbeat, called an arrhythmia, and implement the correct treatment.

24 Hour Holter Monitor:

Using a holter monitor is a noninvasive method of assessing the heart’s rhythm and rate. It is a 24-hour electrocardiogram that is recorded while a patient is wearing a recorder.

By wearing the monitor for 24 hours it gives us an analysis of the rhythm and rate of the heart throughout the day and night of the patient.

Loop Recorder:

A loop recorder is a small electrical device that can be implanted under the skin adjacent to the heart. This allows ECG monitoring of the heart rhythm for up to 5 years.

Angiography:

Angiography uses contrast in the vessels to identify abnormal connections in the vasculature. It is useful to aid the diagnosis and confirm appropriate treatment during minimally invasive procedures.

Read more about cardiology for dogs and cats

Cardiology Common Conditions & Procedures

Read more about the most common conditions treated by our cardiology team and the procedures offered.
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Mitral Valve Disease & Treatment Options for dogs

As our most commonly treated heart condition, we are delighted to be able to offer two groundbreaking treatments for our patients.
Read more

Cardiology Frequently Asked Questions

Read our commonly asked questions if you think your pet might need specialist cardiology treatment
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Meet our Cardiologist

Dr Keaton Morgan

Specialist in Cardiology

If you think your pet requires specialist cardiology treatment, please contact your GP vet in the first instance.

For more information about our veterinary cardiology service, contact 09 320 5645.

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