Cardiology‌‌

The Cardiology Service provides specialist care for dogs and cats with heart and respiratory disease.  Clinical service provision is headed by European and RCVS recognised Specialists in Cardiology, who are committed to providing an excellent standard of care to the patients under our care.  We are an ECVIM-CA approved residency training centre in cardiology, training residents towards specialist status in cardiology. We also train veterinary students in cardiology, so they are competent in dealing with common heart diseases affecting dogs and cats in general practice, once they have graduated. By working in a multidisciplinary hospital, with most specialisms covered, any pet with complex needs can have various problems addressed during their visit, including intensive care treatment.


Cardiology investigations include echocardiography to image the heart (including advanced techniques to investigate heart muscle function and 4D and trans-oesophageal echocardiography where indicated), ECG to investigate disturbances of heart rhythm, long term ECGs including Holter monitors or implantable Linq devices, radiology or advanced imaging (CT or MRI) where indicated.


We offer a minimally invasive interventional cardiac surgery programme, which includes:

  • Pacemaker implantation
  • Catheterization closure of PDAs (patent ductus arteriosus) with ACDOs
  • Balloon valvuloplasty of pulmonic stenosis or certain other cardiac defects
  • Diagnostic angiography and cardiac chamber pressure measurements

These cases can be referred for investigation or management by the primary veterinary surgeon or a veterinary cardiologist. Cases requiring thoracotomy or thorascopic procedures are managed in collaboration with our soft tissue surgery service.

As well as investigation and treatment of suspected heart disease, we also provide a heart testing service, for breeds at risk of heart disease (e.g. Boxers and Newfoundlands for Aortic stenosis, Great Danes, Dobermanns and other breeds at risk of Dilated cardiomyopathy and cats, screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).

New - concerned about a heart murmur in a puppy or kitten?

Are you a referring vet worried about whether a puppy or kitten has an innocent murmur or congenital heart disease? We can offer a reduced cost assessment for patients less than 12mo old including consultation, physical examination and echocardiography for £275. Please put "Puppy / kitten murmur assessment" on your referral request.

Calling for Great Danes to screen for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

We have funding from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the Great Dane Breed Council to screen Great Danes for DCM, by Echocardiography (in dogs of 4 years or older) and Holter monitoring (in dogs over 12 months of age), including cardiac biomarkers. Please contact the cardiology team to discuss whether your Dane or your client’s Great Dane may be a suitable candidate.

To refer to this service please visit our Vet Referral page.