What to expect
Once your vet has requested a referral we will contact you to arrange this. Below gives a typical scenario of what to expect.
01
Before your appointment write down any concerns or questions you have.
If you are insured please contact your insurer to check your insurance cover.
It is useful to check your pets breathing rate when they are asleep. We recommend the free Cardalis App to monitor breathing in cats and dogs.
02
Please give medications as normal before the consultation
On the day of the referral appointment 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.
03
At your referral appointment we will review your vets clinical notes, discuss your concerns and examine your pet.
Typically we will admit your pet for the day and perform a heart scan.
Most pets do not need sedation for a heart scan.
04
Echocardiography, or heart scan is quick, painless and non-invasive.
Echocardiography is the main test we use but we may recommend additional tests. These may include blood samples, blood pressure, ECG or Holter ECG, and X-rays.
05
We will usually discharge your pet to you later the same day.
We will discuss our findings and any recommendations with you in a consult.
06
We will give you a written summary of our findings; how best to manage your pet and any recommendations.
We will usually send a report to your own vet within 24 hours.
07
Your vet will continue caring for your pet and provide any ongoing medication or prescriptions as required.
For animals with heart disease we can provide ongoing care and monitoring.
08
If you have a concern regarding your pet please contact your primary vets or their out of hours provider in the first instance.
