Cardiology

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Davina Tootal

Our full heart scans (echocardiogram) are performed by a Davina who has a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in cardiology and is based from our Southwell branch. The scans are performed in our dedicated heart scanning room using a special ultrasound machine.

A veterinary Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) is a focused 24-month qualification for advancing clinical skills, but does not make the vet a specialist as this would require a Diploma level qualification to become an RCVS Recognised Specialist. Davina is an Advanced Veterinary Practitioner (status pending).

dog and cat
fernwood-pup

What Is A Murmur And Why Does It Matter?

WHAT IS A HEART MURMUR?

A heart murmur in dogs and cats is an abnormal “whooshing” or “swishing” sound heard between normal heartbeats, due to turbulent blood flow within or near the heart. It is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying issue such as valve leakage, narrowing within blood vessels, structural defects, or due to other causes like anaemia.

WHY HAVE I BEEN RECOMMENDED A HEART SCAN EVEN WHEN MY ANIMAL HAS NO CLINICAL SYMPTOMS?

By doing an ultrasound (echocardiogram) of the heart we can determine the cause of the murmur and take a series of measurements to determine if the patient needs medication. In certain heart disease types in dogs, starting specific medications early before the animal has symptoms can extend the symptom free life expectancy by up to 18 months. Cats with some heart disease types are at risk of developing life-threatening embolisms/clots and if there is evidence of chamber enlargement on the ultrasound we can start medication to try to prevent this. These medications are given to animals without any clinical symptoms to extend symptom free life expectancy.

What Happens During A Cardiology Examination?

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A HEART SCAN?

The patient is left with us for 1 or 2 hours so we can take our time with each case. They are shaved on both sides of their chest and gently held by a nurse so the ultrasound can be performed. In a calm and patient environment the vast majority of animals will allow us to perform the scan with no need for any medication. A small number may need some low-level drugs to help relax but not sedate them, so we ask they are starved for the morning.

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What Other Cardiac Tests Can Minster Perform That May Be Suggested?

  • Electrocardiography (ECG) An ECG measures the electrical activity in the animal’s heart by simply placing electrodes on the extremities. Especially useful in assessing abnormal heart beats/arrhythmias.

 

  • Holter monitor. A Holter is an ECG device that the animal wears at home under a vest. The electrodes are placed on by sticky pads and the animal’s heartbeat is measured for at least 24 hours whilst they go about their normal everyday life. This can show abnormalities that may get missed when they are in the clinic as they do not occur all the time.

 

  • Chest X-rays. X-rays are essential to assess for fluid on the lungs (oedema) or additional lung changes. Especially helpful in the panting or coughing dog.

 

  • Bloods tests. Blood tests are used to assess for additional diseases, especially in our older patients, that may complicate any treatment options available. Some bloods are sent away to an external lab for more heart specific tests such as Troponin and ProBNP.

How Do I book? How Can I Be Referred? What Does it Cost?

We are pleased to accept internal referrals from within our Minster Veterinary Centre family. However, external referrals can be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our Southwell branch for more information or to book a heart scan on 01636 812133

Internal referral

Initial heart scan:  £324-350 (depending on need for medication for procedure).

Subsequent heart scans:   £240-260 (depending on need for medication for procedure).

 

External referral

Initial heart scan:  £422-500 (depending on need for medication for procedure and if a summary report is required).

Subsequent heart scans:   £285-370 (depending on need for medication for procedure and if a summary report is required).

 

ECG From £100

Holter monitor (24hr including interpretation) From £465 (other options are available/suggested by clinical need)

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Call to Action

📍 Based within Minster Veterinary Centre Southwell Surgery
📩 External referrals accepted
📞 Contact the practice to arrange a consultation

Referral Request Form

Minster Veterinary Centre Routine Services Include:

In case of emergency, please call Minster Veterinary Centre 24 hours a day on
01636 812 133

SOUTHWELL

01636 812 133

CALVERTON

0115 965 6341

NEWARK

01636 612 906

FERNWOOD

01636 708 892

BURTON JOYCE

0115 931 2986

BINGHAM

01949 833506

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Where is your nearest practice?

Click on the buttons below to find out details of our practices. If it’s an emergency, please call our main practice in Southwell immediately.