Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency (CASE) provides veterinary cardiology services for dogs and cats with heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Our cardiology team offers comprehensive diagnostic testing, individualized treatment plans and minimally invasive cardiac procedures to help pets achieve the best possible quality of life.

As part of a 24/7 specialty and emergency hospital, we work closely with pet owners, referring veterinarians, emergency clinicians and critical care specialists to provide timely diagnoses, coordinated care and ongoing management for a wide range of cardiac conditions.

4 Signs Your Pet May Need a Veterinary Cardiologist

Your veterinarian may recommend a cardiology consultation if your pet experiences:

Difficulty breathing
Exercise intolerance
Weakness or collapse episodes
Fainting (syncope)

Early evaluation by a veterinary cardiologist can help clarify a diagnosis and identify appropriate treatment options before the disease progresses.

Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective cardiovascular care. At CASE, we use advanced imaging and cardiac-focused testing to evaluate heart function, identify disease processes, and guide treatment recommendations. Our diagnostic capabilities include:

Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound)

Non-invasive ultrasound imaging that evaluates heart structure, chamber size, valve function, blood flow and overall cardiac performance.

Electrocardiography (ECG)

Records the heart's electrical activity to identify arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities in your pet.

Holter Monitoring

Continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring that detects intermittent or complex heart rhythm disturbances over an extended period.

Thoracic Radiographs

Chest X-rays help assess heart size, pulmonary vasculature, and evidence of congestive heart failure.

CT Imaging

Advanced cross-sectional imaging may be used to further evaluate select cardiovascular conditions and guide treatment planning.

Blood Pressure Measurement

Essential for diagnosing and monitoring conditions that impact cardiovascular health.

Cardiac Biomarker Testing

Specialized laboratory testing that may assist in the diagnosis and management of heart disease.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures

For patients who may benefit from interventional treatment, CASE offers advanced minimally invasive cardiac procedures performed using interventional radiology in our state-of-the-art fluoroscopy suite.

These procedures often allow for shorter recovery times while providing life-changing benefits for eligible patients.

These procedures may include:

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Occlusion

A minimally invasive procedure used to correct a congenital heart defect involving an abnormal blood vessel connection.

Balloon Valvuloplasty

A catheter-based procedure used to improve blood flow in patients with pulmonic stenosis and other select cardiac conditions.

Pacemaker Implantation

Advanced therapy for pets experiencing specific rhythm disturbances or electrical conduction abnormalities that affect heart function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a veterinary cardiologist?

A veterinary cardiologist is a veterinarian with advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating heart and cardiovascular diseases in animals.

Does every heart murmur require treatment?

Not always. Some murmurs are benign, while others may indicate significant heart disease. Advanced diagnostics help determine the cause and whether treatment is needed.

Can heart disease be cured?

Some congenital heart conditions can be corrected or significantly improved through interventional procedures. Other forms of heart disease may not be curable but can often be successfully managed with medications and ongoing monitoring.

Do I need a referral?

Many patients are referred by their primary care veterinarian, but pet owners may contact CASE to learn more about specialty appointment options. See our referring veterinarian resources for more information.

Our Cardiology Team

Todd Sumerfield

DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Cardiology

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