FAQs

If your pet appears uncomfortable; distressed; is collapsed or struggling to breath, they should be seen urgently at your own vets or their emergency out of hours provider.

For most pets we perform a heart scan without sedation. We may sedate your pet if they are particularly anxious, need x-rays or require more invasive treatment.

If necessary we are happy for pets to have certain calming medications before the consultation. These drugs may be prescribed by your vet, at their discretion. Drugs used for this purpose may include gabapentin in cats and trazodone in dogs. These drugs make animals more relaxed and easier to examine and are typically well tolerated, even if your pet has significant heart disease. Generally it’s safer for pets to be more relaxed rather than being very anxious.

Please don’t feed your pet before the consultation. However, if you need to use a small amount of food to administer medication that is ok. We ask you not to feed your pet in case we need to take a blood sample or give sedation.

Yes, it’s fine to give water before the consultation.

In your referral consultation we will review your vets clinical notes; discuss your concerns, and examine your pet. Based on the consultation we will discuss further investigation and treatment options. Typically we will admit your pet for the day. We will discharge them to you later the same day, in a separate consultation, to discuss our findings and recommendations. We will send a report to your primary vet with our findings; how best to manage your pet, and any other recommendations.

Echocardiography or heart ultrasound is quick, painless and non-invasive heart scan. This test uses sound waves to look inside the heart and assess heart function and blood flow. Echocardiography is the main test we perform but others may also be recommended.

Investigating heart disease is not usually dangerous. However we are sometimes asked to look at pets who have significant heart disease -even though they may look well. Some pets may therefore be at risk of breathing difficulties, irregular heart rhythms and blood clots which occasionally can cause sudden and unexpected deterioration.

It is very helpful for you to count your pets sleeping (breathing) respiratory rate over one minute the night before the consultation. Normal sleeping respiratory rate is less than 30bpm.

The cost of referral depends on several factors: firstly what we do. In some animals we may simply examine your pet and perform a heart scan, but in others we may perform more extensive tests. Tests may include a variety of blood samples, blood pressure, ECG or home recording of ECG (Holter), X-ray, and treatments including administration of emergency medication or drainage of fluid. Secondly clinics charge different fees for drugs and services; for example for arranging the referral, for room and nurse use, and for kennels and monitoring. Referral is likely to be more expensive than your own vet, but less expensive than referral to a large multidisciplinary referral centre.

Your vet may be able to provide a broad estimate before referral. We will provide a detailed estimate range during your consultation; once we have spoken to you and examined your pet.

Payment is made by you to the clinic. Most clinics will require full payment on the day - even if you are insured. In some instances if your pet is insured the clinic may take some payment direct from an insurance company. Additional fees may be charged for completing insurance claims or providing direct insurance claims. Please carefully check the details of your insurance cover before your consultation. Specifically we recommend you check your pets level of insurance cover; that your policy remains in place and that your pet does not have exclusions for heart disease. Please contact the clinic to discuss payment before consultation and be aware the clinic may have different payment expectations to your insurance provider.

A referral is where your vet requests an opinion from a Specialist Vet with specific experience, expertise and equipment in heart disease. This is similar to your GP sending you to a Specialist.

We may give you medication for your pet to start immediately. We may ask your own vet to provide medication, or a written prescription, for you to obtain medication from a chemist or online veterinary pharmacy.

Sometimes we may recommend your pet is transferred to an emergency service provider if they are very unwell. We may also recommend  transfer to a larger hospital for other Specialist investigations or surgery.

Hair clipping is usually required for blood sampling, blood pressure and some heart scans.

It’s often helpful to write down questions you have before the consult. You are welcome to bring someone with you to the consult.

A Holter ECG records heart rate and rhythm in the home environment. Holters are usually recorded over 24-48 hours. During this time it’s helpful for you to monitor your pet and make notes about their routine: e.g when they get up, eat, go out or if they appear unwell. The Holter needs to be kept dry and protected from accidental damage or chewing.

In some situations we may be able to see emergencies the same day -however this is not always possible. If pets are struggling to breath, collapsed, painful or not eating they should be assessed at your primary vets or their out of hours provider. It may not be safe to wait for a BVC appointment.