Cardiology Services

The VTH Cardiology Service serves the diagnostic and therapeutic needs of veterinary patients who have heart disease or are suspected to have heart disease. The heart and vascular system are evaluated primarily through use of the non-invasive techniques including:

• Electrocardiography (EKG)
• Holter monitor (ambulatory EKG)
• 2D, 3D and Color Doppler Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound)

The treatment of veterinary patients with heart disease may consist of drug therapy and occasionally, operative procedures. The Cardiology Service offers minimally invasive techniques such as:

• Balloon dilation of obstructive cardiac disease including pulmonic stenosis
• Implantation of cardiac pacemakers
• Occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) through ACDO devices

Clinical trials to advance the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in animals are also performed by the VTH Cardiology Service.

Referral Policy

Patients are seen on a referral basis, with the patient’s primary veterinarian referring them to the Cardiology service by sending in the appropriate paperwork and radiographs, if applicable, and calling us to discuss the patient’s condition.

By speaking with the primary veterinarian prior to the appointment, we are often better able to determine the severity of the problem, which of our services the patient is likely to need, and how soon the patient needs to be seen. Clients may call our case coordinator after the referral has been made to schedule their appointment.

Our emergency service is available to help us receive emergent cases and will consult with our service if deemed necessary.

Appointments

We offer appointments Monday through Wednesday mornings to allow for time for diagnostic procedures to be performed. Thursdays are reserved for interventional cardiac catheterization procedures. Friday appointments are only offered for participants in ongoing studies or patients to be seen for breed-related certifications.

The duration of your appointment will vary, depending on the nature and complexity of your pet’s condition. A veterinary student will be assigned to your pet and will be your main point of contact during your pet’s appointment. A typical cardiac work up can include thoracic radiographs, an electrocardiogram, and a full echocardiogram. Most of our patients have these tests performed on an outpatient basis with same-day results. Upon discharge, you will be provided with paperwork discussing all findings and instructions on any further care for your pet. All results are also reported to your primary veterinarian for enhanced continuity of care.

Cardiology Personnel

• 
  Michele Borgarelli
  DVM, PhD
  Diplomate ECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
  Service Chief, Cardiology
  Professor
  Cardiology
• 
  Sunshine Lahmers
  DVM, PhD
  Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
  Clinical Associate Professor
  Cardiology
• 
  Hyeon Jeong
  DVM
  Clinical Instructor
  Cardiology/Medicine
• 
  Giulio Menciotti
  DVM, PhD
  Resident
  Cardiology
• 
  Jess Stoneman
  LVT
  Specialty Medicine Technician
• 
  Melanie Dobbins
  Patient Coordinator
  Cardiology and Neurology