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RVC Small Animal Referral service based at the Queen Mother Hospital is a leading, internationally recognised centre for veterinary cardiology. We provide advanced diagnostics and treatment for dogs and cats with either congenital or acquired heart conditions.

Vet Professionals: need to refer a patient?

Transdisciplinary approach to animal heart disease

Our small animal cardiology team of specialist vets and nurses treat and manage a wide range of cardiac conditions. We offer certain diagnostics and treatments that only a few centres can worldwide.

We closely collaborate with members of other RVC services which include the heart surgery service (Cardiothoracic), soft tissue surgery service, medicine and emergency and critical care services to ensure individualised treatment options are provided for the patients under our care.

Pet cardiac condition treatments

We provide a comprehensive selection of services to diagnose, treat and manage a variety of animal cardiology issues both congenital and acquired. 

Congenital heart diseases

• Pulmonic stenosis (PS)
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
• Aortic stenosis
• Ventricular septal defects (VSDs)
• Atrial septal defects (ASDS)
• Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD)
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Complex vascular anomalies
• Inherited ventricular arrhythmias

Acquired heart diseases

• Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD)
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and other feline cardiomyopathies
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and other canine cardiomyopathies
• Arrhythmias
• Pericardial disease
• Heartworm disease

Advanced vet cardiology diagnostic services for dogs and cats

With access to some of the most advanced cardiac imaging technology, we can accurately diagnose and visualise (by 3D reconstruction) some of the most complicated cardiac conditions. This provides us and our clients with detailed information to make informed decisions about treatment choices.

More detailed information on our cardiac diagnostic tools and techniques here

Treatment and management cardiology services for cats and dogs

• Pulmonic stenosis:
• Balloon valvuloplasty
• Pulmonic stent angioplasty
• Open heart surgery - surgical patch graft (on cardiopulmonary bypass)*

• Patent ductus arteriosus:
• Non-invasive transarterial approach with Amplatzer Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO)
• Non-invasive transvenous approach with Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP)
• Surgical ligation*

• Transvenous and epicardial pacemaker implantation
• Atrial septostomy for left atrial decompression in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease
• Minimally invasive occlusion (often by Ampltzer vascular plug) of complex vascular anomalies
• Electrical cardioversion of arrhythmias and in-house telemetry monitoring (ECG monitoring)
• Management of acute congestive heart failure with dedicated ICU care and advanced patient monitoring

*These treatments are surgical and through collaboration with our heart surgery and soft tissue surgery services.

How we work with our vet cardiology patients and their owners

We understand that a diagnosis of heart disease in pets can be both a frightening and confusing time for many pet owners. Often owners have to make difficult decisions regarding their pet’s health and treatment options. As experienced cardiology specialists, we guide our clients through these challenging choices to help make the best possible decision for their pets’ quality of life. We always strive to provide individualised care for animals and are fortunate to be able to offer diagnostics and treatments that only a few centres can worldwide.

How we work with referring vets when handling cardiology cases

We are always happy to discuss cases with veterinary professionals and answer any enquiries you may have.

What does a week in RVC Animal Cardiology Service look like?

Hear how RVC Cardiology team investigate, diagnose and treat a variety of canine cardiac challenges  - Read more >