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Broadway Veterinary Hospital offers advanced cardiac diagnostics and comprehensive treatment options to protect your pet’s heart health. We provide compassionate specialized care for conditions affecting the feline cardiovascular system and the canine heart – the most vital organ in any companion animal.
Our veterinary cardiology department focuses on identifying issues early, ensuring that dogs, cats, and other animals in the Sacramento region receive the highest quality medical care.
Don't wait until you find a tick on your pet to take action. Protect them with expert prevention from Sacramento's trusted veterinary team.
Cardiology is the branch of veterinary medicine that treats diseases of the canine and feline cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels. Veterinary cardiology encompasses a wide range of conditions, from valvular disorders and heart muscle disease to complex cases like feline congestive heart failure. A board certified veterinary cardiologist is a licensed veterinarian who has completed additional, intensive training and is certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).
These specialists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and manage all types of heart diseases in dogs and cats, providing compassionate care that focuses on improving your pet’s quality of life. By addressing heart conditions early and developing tailored treatment plans, veterinary cardiology aims to help pets live longer, healthier lives, ensuring that every aspect of their heart health is supported with expertise and dedication.
While our general practitioners provide excellent initial screenings, some complex cases require the expertise of a board certified veterinary cardiologist. A board certified veterinary cardiologist is a licensed veterinarian who has obtained intensive, additional training in veterinary cardiology and has been certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).
To reach this status, a licensed veterinarian must complete a one-year internship followed by an additional two to three years of advanced residency training. For example, Dr. Mackie earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University and completed his residency at a university, specifically the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. After passing rigorous examinations covering all aspects of veterinary internal medicine and the feline cardiovascular system, they are recognized as a board certified veterinary specialist.
After completing and passing all rigorous requirements, the veterinarian is recognized by peers as a board certified specialist in veterinary cardiology and will list the credentials ‘DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)’ after his or her name. These experts, such as those found at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital or VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center, often collaborate with us to repair heart defects or manage advanced heart failure. The UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital includes top-tier academic, board-certified specialists and residents.
The Sacramento area is home to some of the finest cardiac minds in the country. Facilities like Guardian Veterinary Specialists, led by Dr. Jonathan Goodwin, and the VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center, featuring Dr. Maureen Oldach, provide outstanding care. Furthermore, mobile services like Jackson Veterinary Cardiology Consultants offer on-site specialized care at local practices, ensuring that your pet’s veterinary care is convenient and comprehensive.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we use a methodical approach to cardiac diagnosis that begins with a thorough evaluation and progresses to advanced testing. A licensed veterinarian oversees every step of the process to ensure your pet’s medical care is accurate. As part of the diagnostic process, our veterinarians check your pet’s heart, pulse, and overall condition to assess for any signs of heart disease.
We utilize sophisticated diagnostic options in veterinary cardiology, similar to those used in human medicine, to precisely detect and assess the severity of heart conditions in pets.
Our board-certified cardiologists provide complete cardiac examinations for referred patients and perform additional diagnostics as needed to enable comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations.
Our initial evaluation includes a detailed medical history review and a physical examination focusing on cardiac function. The examination helps determine if heart problems are present in your pet. Our veterinarians listen carefully for heart murmurs, abnormal rhythms, or lung sounds that might indicate heart failure. Heart murmurs can occur if valves in the heart are leaking due to congenital heart disease problems or age-related changes. The intensity, timing, and location of heart murmurs provide valuable diagnostic information about the nature of cardiac abnormalities.
We also evaluate your pet’s pulse quality, mucous membrane color, and capillary refill time—all critical indicators of cardiovascular health. This thorough approach helps us identify subtle signs of heart disease that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Evaluations by veterinarians can take a few hours, and you will receive a detailed discussion of the findings and a written report.
When heart disease is suspected, we may recommend additional diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound), which allows us to visualize heart chambers, valves, and blood flow in real time. We utilize Color Flow Doppler to assess blood flow through the heart to detect leaks or restrictions.
Electrocardiography (ECG): Records the electrical activity of the heart to help diagnose arrhythmias.
Digital Radiography: Chest X-rays help assess the heart and lungs and can indicate congestive heart failure via fluid accumulation (edema).
Blood Pressure Monitoring: Critical for identifying hypertension, which can both cause and result from heart issues.
Holter Monitoring: Provides continuous ECG recording to assess heart activity during normal activities at home.
Cardiac Catheterization: An advanced tool used by a board certified veterinary cardiologist to evaluate the blood vessels and internal heart pressures.
Your pet’s health is our expertise, which is why local news outlets like Fox40 News and Good Day Sacramento regularly invite Dr. Sam Varon to share essential pet care information, from emerging health concerns to answering everyday pet questions. When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital, you’re choosing care backed by expertise that Sacramento trusts.
Heart disease in pets can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Many pets with heart disease are asymptomatic in the early stages, making regular screenings an important part of preventative care. However, owners should be aware of the risk factors for heart disease, as regional and seasonal factors can increase the risk of conditions like heartworm, and understanding these risks is crucial for proper diagnosis and prevention. Pet heart conditions generally fall into two categories: symptoms of canine and feline heart failure include cough, edema, and rapid breathing. As heart disease progresses, advanced heart failure presents critical clinical signs such as respiratory distress, ascites, and profound exercise intolerance.
Some pets are born with heart abnormalities. These congenital heart disease conditions include patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), where a vessel that normally closes after birth remains open. Ventricular septal defects create holes in the heart walls, allowing blood to flow inappropriately between chambers. In some cases, advanced procedures like balloon valvuloplasty or cardiac surgery are required to repair heart defects.
More commonly, pets develop heart problems later in life. Degenerative valve disease causes heart valves to thicken over time. Dilated cardiomyopathy, common in larger breeds, causes the heart muscle to thin, potentially leading to congestive heart failure. In cats, thickening of the heart walls can lead to feline congestive heart failure. Heart failure can also result from heartworm disease, which damages the heart and pulmonary blood vessels.
Recognizing the early warning signs can lead to timely intervention. A licensed veterinarian should be consulted if you notice the following symptoms:
Persistent coughing, especially at night or after exercise.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing even when resting.
Decreased energy, fatigue, and profound exercise intolerance.
Fainting or collapse episodes (syncope).
Abdominal swelling (ascites) due to fluid accumulation.
Once we’ve diagnosed your pet’s heart condition, we create a personalized plan focused on managing symptoms. Our team is equipped to handle complex heart issues, guiding pet owners through diagnostics, treatments, and follow-up care to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our treatment options are designed to provide the highest quality of life for your companion.
With advancements in cardiac medication, cardiac catheterization, and the help of dedicated owners and their referring veterinarians, cardiac patients can enjoy a high quality of life for many years.
Most conditions require medication to support the pet’s heart. Common medications include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors to dilate blood vessels, and positive inotropes to strengthen contractions. Our team monitors your pet’s medical care closely, adjusting dosages as needed to minimize side effects while ensuring the heart remains strong. Many of the same types of diagnostic tests and treatment options used in human medicine are available for pets.
Dietary management plays a crucial role in cardiac care. We may recommend sodium-restricted diets to help control fluid retention. Specialized nutritional support is a core part of your pet’s veterinary care. For critical conditions, veterinary cardiologists may perform cardiac surgery, angioplasty, or pacemaker implantation to keep patients healthy and active.
If you suspect your pet may be experiencing symptoms of heart disease, or if your regular veterinarian has recommended a cardiac evaluation, the next step is to schedule a visit with our hospital for a complete assessment.
Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing cardiac conditions and maintaining your pet’s quality of life. Our team will work closely with you to discuss your pet’s clinical signs, answer any questions you may have, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs. In more complex cases, we may recommend a consultation with a board certified veterinary cardiologist to ensure your pet receives the most advanced care available.
Don’t wait – if you notice the following symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fainting, or decreased energy, contact us to schedule an evaluation. Together, we can help your pet lead a longer, healthier life with compassionate, expert heart care.
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
Your licensed veterinarian may recommend a referral if they detect heart murmurs or irregular rhythms during a physical examination. Veterinary cardiologists provide advanced diagnostic tests beyond what general practice offers. Signs that warrant a pet cardiologist sacramento referral include persistent coughing, rapid breathing, or fainting. Early consultation with veterinary cardiologists can significantly improve outcomes through timely diagnosis and professional pet’s medical care.
A board certified veterinary cardiologist provides comprehensive treatment for heart muscle disease and congestive heart failure. Their expertise in veterinary internal medicine encompasses medication, cardiac surgery, and cardiac catheterization. A board certified veterinary specialist has obtained intensive training to repair heart defects and manage complex cases. With advancements like pacemaker implantation, cardiac patients can enjoy a high quality of life for many years.
High blood pressure can both cause and result from heart disease in dogs and cats. Veterinary cardiology includes comprehensive blood pressure monitoring to identify hypertension early. Untreated high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, strain the heart muscle, and lead to congestive heart failure. Regular monitoring by veterinary cardiologists helps detect changes before they cause complications, allowing for prompt intervention.
While your regular licensed veterinarian provides excellent routine screening, veterinary cardiology offers advanced diagnostic capabilities for congenital heart disease. Specialists have additional training in heart failure management and techniques like cardiac catheterization. In most cases, your regular doctor will still supervise your pet’s medical care alongside the board certified veterinary specialist to ensure all aspects of your pet’s health are addressed.
Veterinary cardiologists use comprehensive monitoring to track cardiac conditions. Regular evaluation includes blood pressure monitoring, Holter monitoring, and cardiac ultrasound to assess heart function. Specialists work with your primary licensed veterinarian to coordinate pet’s veterinary care, ensuring optimal management of congestive heart failure. This collaborative approach helps maintain quality of life while slowing disease progression through carefully monitored treatment options.
Our fully equipped veterinary hospital brings together advanced medical technology and skilled veterinary expertise to handle all your pet’s healthcare needs.
Whether it’s preventive care or complex procedures, we’re here to provide exceptional treatment at every stage of your pet’s life.
