A veterinary cardiologist is a specialist that has advanced training in the heart and circulatory system. To become a Board-certified veterinary cardiologist, a veterinarian usually completes a one year internship followed by extensive specialized training in an approved residency training program (usually 3-5 years). Cardiologists typically focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart including congestive heart failure (CHF), heart muscle disease (Dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), age-related changes to the valves of the heart (Degenerative mitral valve disease), coughing and other breathing problems, congenital heart defects, cardiac arrhythmias (problems with the rate and/or rhythm of your animal’s heart), diseases of the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart), cardiac tumors, high blood pressure (hypertension), or pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

Board-certified veterinary cardiologists are an integral part of your animal’s health care team from the time a potential cardiac abnormality is noted. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy of cardiac conditions helps your animal live a longer and healthier life. They work closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure your animal’s optimal health. While some cardiac conditions require hospitalization, most conditions can be managed on an outpatient basis by a Board-certified veterinary cardiologist along with your primary care veterinarian.

Adapted from “What is a Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist?” on vetspecialists.com.