Small Animal Cardiology Referrals - Information for Owners

  • Referral to veterinary cardiologist is recommended by your primary veterinary clinician when your pet needs further investigation of asymptomatic heart murmur, or to elucidate potential causes of your pet’s exercise intolerance, fainting, weakness, lethargy, breathing difficulties or abdominal distension.

    Occasionally abnormal heart sounds or irregular heart rhythm may be discovered during clinical examination, or your pet might be having elevated blood levels of commonly tested cardiac biommakrers

    • Typically the patient will get admitted by Rajka after an introductory consultation when she will explain details about the procedure and ask you a few questions relating to your pet’s health. Occasionally, when more convenient for the clients,  the patient can be admitted by the staff of primary care practice. 

    • Cardiology appointments include ultrasound imaging, ECG recording and non-invasive blood pressure measurement whenever possible. Ultrasound imaging is performed with the patient lying on its side on a cushioned echocardiography table. In the majority of cases the fur will need to be clipped in the area of the chest and very occasionally a small area on ventral abdomen. 

    • In some cases Rajka might ask your permission for additional tests like chest x-rays or blood sample collection. 

    • Once the clinical investigation has been completed, the practice will arrange a collection of your pet and an exit appointment with Rajka which will typically take 20 to 30 minutes. During this appointment she will  explain the findings, prescribe treatment and discuss further care. Ongoing treatment is usually managed by your primary clinician with occasional periodic assessments with Rajka when needed.


    • Most dogs don’t need sedation for cardiology appointments as clinical tests are not invasive or painful. However, some anxious dogs can be prescribed calming drugs such as Gabapentin on its own or in combination with Trazodone by your primary clinician, as some canine patients are too nervous to calmly lie on the side during echocardiography, or tolerate blood pressure measurement.

    • Cats tend to be more worried and are less tolerant of handling during cardiology appointments so they may benefit from oral gabapentin prescribed by your primary clinician and given prior to their appointment. 

    • In some cases sedation is required and it can be administered by the cardiologist at the time of the appointment. For that reason the owners will be asked to give only a small meal early in the morning (6 or7 am) with the morning doses of any on-going medications. The water should remain available as normal.

    • You will be able to get an approximate estimate for cardiology referral from your primary care practice but this will depend on the extent of clinical investigation needed for your pet. This will be discussed in detail during your cardiology appointment

    • In some situations Rajka will be able to see urgent and emergency cases on the same day but this is not always possible. If your pet is seriously unwell, struggling to breathe, experiencing weakness or fainting, please arrange an emergency appointment at your primary care veterinary practice or from an out of hours service provider. 


  • Monitoring sleeping respiratory rate provides very useful piece of information for your cardiology clinician regarding cardiac assessment. Sleeping respiratory rate should consistently stay below 30 breaths per minute

  • “We have worked closely with Rajka over the last couple of years in attendance to our more complicated cardiac patients at our clinic – she attends quickly and reliably, and our clients have been delighted with every aspect of the service she provides. We would thoroughly recommend her services” 

    Chris Gray, MRCVS, Practice Owner. The Guildford Vet

  • “Rajka is fantastic, she is so passionate about cardiology and accompanied by a breadth of knowledge. She has helped many patients who have benefited from Rajka's expertise and would recommend her services to anyone.”

    Dr Hayley Woods, MRCVS. Pet Practice.

  • “Rajka has been an invaluable addition to Heath Vets over the last year, delivering referral-level cardiac ultrasound services with professionalism and warmth. She is approachable, thorough, and always takes the time to support and reassure our clients. A true asset to our team.”

    Sarah Solomon, RVN. Practice Owner. Heath Vets

  • “Rajka has always been very happy to help with our cardiology cases, whether we have needed advice or further work-up. She provides a great service, is approachable and knowledgeable, and is a pleasure to work with. I’d happily recommend her to other practices looking for cardiology support.”

    Courtney Weaver-Ennis BVetMed CVLM(Fin) MRCVS, director Vets Kinic