PETS Hospital partners with Coast to Coast Cardiology to provide advanced cardiology consultations in house by a board certified cardiologist. Services include: ECG, Echocardiogram, Holter and Event Monitors, Blood Pressure, and Interventional Cardiology. Appointments can be made directly by calling 844-582-3827.
Echocardiography
Heart murmurs are often detected on routine physical examination with your family veterinarian, requiring the need for a complete cardiac evaluation including echocardiography. Echocardiography is the term used to describe an ultrasound of the heart. An ultrasound is obtained with harmless sound waves which are reflected back from the heart with the natural changes in tissue density giving a detailed account of the size, shape and function of all the different chambers and valves of the heart, as well as, direction, turbulence and velocity of blood flow. Proper techniques, technological capabilities and expertise are essential for the proper diagnosis and thereby the most beneficial treatment recommendations.
Electrocardiography
Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart beats, are often detected on routine physical examination with your family veterinarian, requiring the need for complete cardiac evaluation including an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram (referred to as an EKG or ECG) is the representation of electrical conduction through the heart and is essential for the rhythm diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Electrocardiography can be obtained in a variety of ways, most commonly during the out-patient examination. If indicated, an electrocardiogram can be obtained in a patients normal surroundings with the use of a 24-hour Holter monitor or an Event recorder. A 24-hour Holter monitor is an electrocardiogram that obtains information over a 24 hour period. The device is worn by the patient and gives a more accurate quantification of arrhythmias on a daily basis. An Event recorder on the other hand is also worn by the patient in the normal surroundings but over the period of week(s), and when clinical signs of an arrhythmia are occurring, the device is activated to capture the pathologic arrhythmia.
Holter and Event Monitors
These are specialized devices that record heart activity over a more prolonged period of time (days or weeks). Generally they are worn by the patient (like a vest) and are non-invasive. They are especially useful for patients that have very intermittent or rare heart arrhythmias or other cardiac events that might be missed by a conventional ECG.
Radiographs
Thoracic radiographs (also called x-rays) are essential to evaluate a patient's lungs, also called the pulmonary system. Radiographs are used to diagnose congestive heart failure, or fluid in the lungs called pulmonary edema. Thoracic radiographs can also be used to asses the size and shape of the heart.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is considered the fourth vital sign after temperature, pulse and respiration rate and has been referred to as the silent killer in human medicine. Blood pressure plays a pivotal role in how the heart is able to function. A cardiac physical examination is not complete without a blood pressure.
Interventional Cardiology
Advanced interventional procedures such as placement of pacemakers may be offered to patients in specific instances and performed off-site.
For more information about Coast to Coast Cardiology's team, click here.