Cardiology
The Cardiology Service at NCSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to clients whose animals are suspected of having heart disease.
What is a board certified cardiologist and why should I see one?
Cardiology is the clinical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart and large blood vessel diseases. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialty of Cardiology (ACVIM Cardiology) is the recognized governing body for the specialty, and it is responsible for establishing training requirements, evaluating and accrediting training programs, and examining and certifying veterinary cardiologists.
Board-certified veterinary cardiologists have the designation Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology) after their academic degrees (e.g. DVM) following their name. In order to gain board certification in cardiology, a licensed veterinarian must first complete a minimum of 3 years of accredited advanced training after graduation from veterinary school, and pass a series of rigorous examinations administered by the ACVIM. The specialty examination and certification process is beyond and not related to the National or State Board of Veterinary Practice licensing exams. As part of their training program, board certified veterinary cardiologists receive specific and extensive training in a variety of diagnostic imaging techniques (including echocardiography and angiography), as well as interventional and medical treatments for heart and vascular diseases.
The NCSU Cardiology Service has 3 board certified veterinary cardiologists on staff, and is an accredited residency training center of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialty of Cardiology. The Cardiology Service offers a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to clients whose animals are suspected of having heart disease. Having your pet examined by a board certified cardiologist allows you to get the opinion of one of the world's leading experts in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in animals.
Making the most of your visit
Don't hesitate to ask questions to clarify your pet's diagnosis or treatment options and plan. Also, ask your clinician to rephrase a reply you cannot understand. You may want to take a family member or friend to the appointment with you to help you better understand and remember what's said.
- Briefly describe why you made your appointment with the cardiology service, and describe all of your pet's symptoms, even those you feel may not be important. You may want to keep a list so you will remember them.
- Tell the clinician all of the medications you give your pet - including any over-the-counter drugs, herbs, or metabolic supplements - and any problems you may be having with them.
- Be sure you understand all of the discharge instructions - especially for medications. Know what drug to give when, how often, and in what amount.
- Find out what side effects are possible from the drugs the veterinarian prescribes for you.
- Ask the meaning of any medical term you don't understand.
- If, after your appointment, you still have questions or are uncertain about your treatment, or follow-up needs, call the NCSU Cardiology office to get the information you need (919.513.6694).
What will happen during an appointment?
- Examination: Generally, a 4th-year veterinary student will escort you and your pet into an exam room and take a complete history while they perform a physical examination on your pet. This will take approximately thirty minutes.
- Review: The student will then leave the room for about fifteen minutes to consult with one of our faculty cardiologists. At this time, the student and the cardiologist will also review any diagnostic material that your veterinarian has sent with you or transmitted. The cardiologist will then introduce him or herself to you and examine your pet. New patients usually need to be left with us for the day to allow enough time to complete the diagnostic tests needed to evaluate the heart and cardiovascular system.
- Diagnostic tests for patients suspected of having heart disease often include electrocardiography, echocardiography, radiography, and various blood tests. Your pet may need to be lightly sedated to complete our evaluation, since several of these tests require them to be absolutely still for several minutes at a time.
- Discharge: At the time of discharge from the hospital (usually between 4 and 6 pm) the cardiologist will discuss your pet's condition with you and answer any questions you may have. We will also send home detailed written information about the physical findings, diagnostic test results, diagnoses, medications, and recommendations for the ongoing care of your pet. A copy of these instructions will be faxed to your regular veterinarian if you have been referred. If your pet has to be admitted to the hospital overnight for any reason, the NCSU-VTH requires that you leave a deposit for half of the estimated total charges. Any form of payment (cash, check, or major credit card) is acceptable for this purpose.
If your pet stays in the hospital, the cardiologist and student on the case will arrange mutually convenient times every day when you will be able to call (or be available to be called) to check on your pet's condition, and answer any questions that may arise. We will also arrange mutually convenient times for you to visit your pet in the hospital if you wish to do so.