Cardiology

Cardiology Expertise for Pets

Can Guardian Veterinary Specialists help a pet with a cardiac problem? In a heartbeat. 

While it’s difficult to face the diagnosis of a heart condition in a beloved pet, there’s good news:  with today’s advances in veterinary medicine, many heart conditions can be successfully  managed, extending pets’ lives and maintaining their quality of life. These advances are  available at Guardian Veterinary Specialists.

Seeing a veterinarian who specializes in cardiac conditions can help your pet achieve the best possible heart health. Our board-certified veterinary cardiologist has completed additional academic and clinical training to achieve his specialist credentials. He evaluates and treats dogs  and cats with both congenital (present at birth) and acquired (develops over time) heart  disease. 

Symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance or abdominal swelling may  signal a heart problem. If your primary care veterinarian detects a cardiac abnormality that  needs further evaluation, such as a heart murmur or irregular heart rhythm, your pet may be  referred to Guardian Veterinary Specialists for comprehensive assessment and care.

The Heart Conditions We See

Some of the most common heart conditions affecting dogs and cats are:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Congenital heart disease, including aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patent ductus arteriosus
  • Acquired heart disease, including heart valve disease, pericardial disease, dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders)
  • Pericardial and pleural space disease

Sophisticated Diagnostic and Treatment Resources

As veterinary specialists, we offer a complete array of today’s most technologically advanced  diagnostic and treatment resources, including:

  • Echocardiogram, a test that uses ultrasound to check how well the heart is working 
  • Electrocardiogram (with and without contrast)
  • Angiography, x-ray imaging to view the heart’s blood vessels
  • Balloon valvuloplasty, a procedure to repair a heart valve that has a narrowed opening 
  • Cardiac CT
  • Fluoroscopy (like an x-ray movie)
  • Holter monitoring (a wearable device that tracks heart rhythm)
  • Pacemaker implantation
  • Patent ductus arteriosus occlusion, a procedure to repair a congenital heart defect where a blood vessel connecting two major arteries stays open, causing blood to return to the lungs instead of going to the rest of the body
  • Pericardiocentesis, a procedure to remove fluid that has built up in the sac around the heart

To schedule a free initial consultation

We’re so passionate about ensuring that pets receive optimal care—and that pet parents  understand the treatment options available to them—that we offer free initial consultations. To  schedule yours, simply call (914) 704-3400

Our Locations

Guardian Veterinary Specialists
24/7 Emergency and Specialty Care
Guardian Veterinary Emergency Orange County
Night, Weekend & Holiday Emergency Care
Mon 6:00 PM. – 7:00 AM
Tue 6:00 PM. – 7:00 AM
Wed 6:00 PM. – 7:00 AM
Thu 6:00 PM. – 7:00 AM
Fri 6:00 PM – Monday 7:00 AM
Sat 24 hours
Sun 24 hours
Holiday 24 hours
Armory Dog & Cat Hospital

Routine Health Care & Emergency Services

Mon 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tue 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wed 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun Closed