What is Veterinary Cardiology?
The field of veterinary cardiology focuses on treating problems related to the heart and circulation. Some of the reasons your primary care veterinarian may have referred your pet to our veterinary cardiologist include:
Irregular heartbeats (i.e., arrhythmias)
Heart muscle disease (i.e., cardiomyopathy)
Congenital heart problems
Congestive heart failure
Degenerative heart diseases
Heart tumors
High blood pressure
At Fresno Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center, our cardiology specialists are prepared to treat your pet with state-of-the-art technology, specialized diagnostic equipment, and our team of the best veterinary cardiologists in the Fresno area on staff.
Our Cardiologists
The exceptional cardiology team at Fresno Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center is highly-qualified and ready to assist you with any concerns you may have. Our veterinary cardiologists have not only received doctorate degrees but have also completed additional, specialized training and received board certification. They are fully equipped to handle the diagnosis and treatment of any heart problems your pet may be experiencing. Learn more about our doctors below.
Richard Kienle, DVM, DACVIM
Cardiology
Richard Kienle, DVM, DACVIM
Cardiology
Appointments
Once you have consulted with your primary care veterinarian and they have referred your pet to our specialist, you will need to book an appointment through our homepage by selecting "Book Appointment." This is found in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.
For the safety of all hospital patients, all dogs and cats must be leashed, crated or carried at all times. Retractable leashes must be locked at all times. Appointments/consultations are approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the severity of the case.
What to Expect
Early detection and characterization of the underlying condition is important when choosing effective treatment for heart disease. Heavy breathing, lethargy, coughing, and collapse are all primary signs that your pet may have a heart condition. Our cardiologist will work with your primary care veterinarian to develop a treatment plan for your pet. Medical records, laboratory work, and radiographs are all helpful.
We offer a variety of tests and procedures to both diagnose and treat heart problems in dogs, cats, exotic pets, and reptiles. Some common procedures your veterinary cardiologist may perform, including:
Blood pressure check
Cardiac catheterization
Electrocardiograph and echocardiograph
Holter monitor
Pacemaker insertion and upkeep
Surgery for congenital heart problems
Valve surgery
X-Rays
All clients are presented with proposed treatment plans for medical care for their pet. After examination by our doctor, a treatment plan will be generated based on the medical needs of the pet. A pre-payment of the low end of the treatment plan is required for treatment. If you have any questions about what to expect when you come in for a visit with one of our veterinary cardiologists, please call us at (559) 451-0800 or fill out our Contact Us form to reach us by email.
