Treating the heart of the matter – to help your pet live a longer and better life.
We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our veterinary cardiology team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart, and we’re here to help.
Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.
If your pet has a cardiovascular condition, you’ll have an entire cardiology team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.
Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).
Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.
Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our cardiology team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive care options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:
Experience makes all the difference.
Our cardiology team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.
Dr. Gretchen Singletary is particularly interested in novel treatments for heart failure.
Dr. Singletary enjoys traveling, photography and music.
A board-certified veterinary cardiologist is a veterinarian who has completed advanced training in diagnosing and treating heart and circulatory system diseases in pets. After veterinary school, they undergo a multi-year residency focused on cardiology and must pass a rigorous certification exam through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) to earn the title.
Cardiologists specialize in conditions such as:
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart murmurs
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart defects
• High blood pressure in pets
Board-certified veterinary cardiologists use their advanced training and equipment to make precise diagnoses. They use advanced tools like echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECG), chest x-rays, and blood pressure monitoring to assess heart function and guide treatment plans.
If your family veterinarian detects a heart murmur or suspects a cardiac condition, they may refer you to a veterinary cardiologist for a more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment options. At specialty hospitals like BluePearl, board-certified cardiologists collaborate with emergency, surgical, and internal medicine teams to deliver comprehensive care.
Your vet may recommend that you see a cardiologist if they detect any of the following symptoms or conditions:
Typically, our cardiologists will evaluate your pet’s heart with an ultrasound (echocardiogram) and ECG. Other tests may also be recommended. A standard visit usually takes about an hour to complete. Results from the examination and tests are typically evaluated by the cardiologist instantly during the visit. We will provide medication recommendations or discuss other treatment options for your pet’s condition. Follow-up appointments may be necessary depending on your pet’s diagnosis.
At BluePearl Pet Hospital, our cardiologists utilize a range of diagnostic tools and tests, including echocardiograms, ECGs, interventional cardiology (which may involve fluoroscopy), chest x-rays, blood work, and abdominal and chest taps (such as abdominocentesis and thoracocentesis), for diagnostic purposes.
If your pet shows any of the following signs or symptoms, they may need to see a cardiologist to be evaluated for heart disease:
Depending on your pet’s diagnosis, heart disease is typically managed through medication and, in some cases, surgery. The following medications or procedures may be included in a heart disease treatment plan:
Congestive heart failure in pets may present as any of the following symptoms:
Like heart disease, congestive heart failure can be managed through medications and occasionally surgery. Typical medications and procedures include:
A pet echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that shows detailed images of its structure and function. It enables veterinary cardiologists to assess heart size, valve function, and blood flow, as well as detect conditions such as heart murmurs, cardiomyopathy, or congestive heart failure. This non-invasive test helps diagnose heart disease early and guides the best treatment for your pet.
Yes, an echocardiogram is a safe, non-invasive procedure for pets. It utilizes ultrasound technology to create images of the heart without the need for radiation or sedation in most cases. Veterinary cardiologists use echocardiograms to diagnose heart conditions with minimal stress or risk to your pet.
A heart murmur may present as any of the following signs or symptoms:
A heart murmur in your dog or cat can be harmless or a sign of underlying heart disease. Some murmurs are benign, while others may indicate serious conditions like valve disorders or cardiomyopathy. A veterinary cardiologist can perform tests, like an echocardiogram, to determine the cause and whether treatment is needed to protect your pet’s health.
Your pet may be experiencing heart problems if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
Ask your veterinarian for a referral or call us directly to book an appointment with our cardiologists.
Take the first step to getting your pet back to their best self – call us to speak with the cardiology team and make an appointment.
Prioritize your pet’s cardiovascular health with the experts in specialty medicine.