Veterinary Cardiology by BluePearl Matthews NC

BluePearl Pet Hospital
South Charlotte
Matthews, NC
Cardiology

Emergency and Specialty
704.672.5590
2440 Plantation Center Dr Matthews, NC 28105
[email protected]
Emergency:
Mon-Sun: 7 am-12 am
Specialty:
By appointment
Request Appointment

Pet cardiology by BluePearl.

A veterinarian examines a cat using a stethoscope.

Conditions treated

Learn which conditions our specialty team can help diagnose and treat, so your pet gets the right care for their needs.

A BluePearl cardiologist listens to a small dog’s chest through a stethoscope on an exam table.

Success stories

Discover how other pets have overcome their diagnoses with specialized care, giving you hope for your pet’s recovery.

A veterinarian meets with a client and her medium sized white and grey dog in a comfortable, welcoming exam room.

Request appointment

Take the next step toward answers and treatment by scheduling a specialty consultation for your pet.

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 pets and families right here in Matthews, South Charlotte, Ballantyne and nearby North Carolina communities.

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.

Veterinarian holding a pug

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

If your pet has a cardiovascular condition, our cardiology team is here to improve their quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together. Using advanced diagnostics and compassionate care, we treat heart disease in dogs and cats showing signs like coughing, collapse, rapid breathing, fainting or unusual tiredness.

  • Heart disease
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Heart failure 
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Chronic coughing
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood clot disorders

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography (ECG)
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Holter monitoring (portable ECG)
  • Radiography (x-rays)

Treatment plans

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:

  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Balloon valvuloplasty
  • Pacemaker implantation
A BluePearl cardiologist listens to a small dog’s chest through a stethoscope on an exam table.
A BluePearl vet tech holds a small dog still on an exam table while a vet applies a bandage to its paw.
A BluePearl vet reads a blood pressure gauge while examining a small white dog.
A BluePearl cardiologist in a white coat smiles as he examines a long-haired cat while two vet techs look on.
A BluePearl cardiologist runs a diagnostic test on a long-haired cat while a vet tech helps keep it still.
A vet tech holds a cat still while a BluePearl cardiologist prepares to attach sensors for a diagnostic device.

Our board certified specialists and cardiology team.

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.

Andrea Eriksson

DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Cardiology
Cardiology
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital South Charlotte Matthews, NC
On the job

Dr. Andrea Eriksson’s clinical interests include early detection of heart disease in dogs and cats; the treatment of end-stage congestive heart failure; and novel therapies and surgical options for chronic degenerative valve disease.

Her research interests and background include investigation of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system and how it relates to congestive heart failure in dogs; thyrotoxic heart disease and advanced cardiac imaging.

An important aspect of Dr. Eriksson’s practice is client communication and education as well as outreach and continuing education for primary care veterinarians. As a passionate advocate for her patients and their families, her goal is to provide a comprehensive triad of cardiovascular care that encompasses the pet family, the primary care veterinarian and herself.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
  • Residency, Cardiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh-Durham
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Oregon State University, Corvallis
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis
  • Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Willamette University, Salem, OR
Off duty

Dr. Eriksson was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon where she learned to love hiking, camping, tide-pooling and braving the rain. During her personal time, she loves being with her husband and daughter. Together as a family, they enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, singing and playing music, and enjoying this beautiful life.

Erin McCarragher

DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Cardiology
Cardiology
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital South Charlotte Matthews, NC
On the job

Dr. Erin McCarragher enjoys all aspects of cardiology with a particular interest in the chronic management of congestive heart failure and helping to maintain the best possible quality of life in dogs and cats with heart disease. She is passionate about client education and takes pride in building trusting relationships with both pets and their owners.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
  • Residency, Cardiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis
  • Internship, Cardiology, VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center, Santa Monica, CA
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, CO
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando
Off duty

Dr. McCarragher grew up in Tampa, Florida. She enjoys travelling, especially when it involves visiting wineries or hiking, attending shows and hockey games, and trying new restaurants. More than anything else, she loves spending time with family, friends and her two handsome orange cats, Kimba and Loki.

Call us at 704.672.5590

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the cardiologist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions.

A veterinary cardiologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats heart and blood vessel conditions in pets. They use advanced tools like echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECG), and x-rays to identify heart disease and create tailored treatment plans that help pets live longer, more comfortable lives.
Treatment for a heart murmur depends on its cause and severity. A cardiologist will first determine whether the murmur is harmless or related to an underlying heart condition. If treatment is needed, it may include medication, diet changes or monitoring. Regular follow-ups ensure your pet’s heart health stays on track.
An echocardiogram is a painless ultrasound of your pet’s heart. During the visit, your pet will lie comfortably on a padded table while the cardiologist uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart. This test helps assess heart function, valves, and blood flow with no anesthesia or recovery time needed.
Your pet should see a cardiologist if your primary veterinarian detects a heart murmur, irregular heartbeat, or signs of heart disease such as coughing, rapid breathing, fainting or decreased activity. Early referral can help diagnose problems before they become serious and improve long-term outcomes.
Treatment for heart failure focuses on improving heart function and your pet’s quality of life. Cardiologists may prescribe medications to help the heart pump more efficiently, reduce fluid buildup and ease breathing. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan help manage the disease over time.
Pets are referred to a cardiologist when heart disease, murmurs, or rhythm abnormalities are suspected. These specialists have advanced training and equipment to accurately diagnose heart conditions and provide the most effective treatment options available.
Costs vary based on the diagnostic tests and treatments your pet needs. Your veterinary team can provide an estimate before testing begins so you know what to expect.
Common signs of heart disease include coughing, rapid or labored breathing, weakness, fainting, decreased stamina, or a swollen abdomen. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away for evaluation.
Yes, many pets with heart disease can live happy, active lives with proper care and monitoring. Medications, diet changes, and regular checkups with a cardiologist can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Bring your pet’s medical history, current medications, and any previous test results. Most pets don’t need sedation or fasting before an appointment, but check with the cardiology team for specific instructions. Keeping your pet calm and comfortable will help make the visit go smoothly.
No. While we do work closely with primary care veterinarians and accept referrals, you can also make an appointment directly with the hospital, no referral needed. Once care is established, we'll keep your primary vet updated on your pet's condition and treatments. If your vet has noticed heart concerns, they can share test results with the cardiologist to support your pet’s evaluation.

Success stories.

“I feel like taking him to BluePearl and having him meet with the cardiologist made me feel less worried. He has a really good chance to continue to have a good, comfortable, happy life. That was what I wanted. I know he’s 11 but I would like him to live to be 15.” Read Devo's story.
Tiffany
Tiffany
“We were moving with a newly diagnosed and very sick animal. It made us feel safe that we had a doctor here with BluePearl. They could collaborate. They had the records. We were going to be in good hands.” Read JackJack's story.
Sharrie
Sharrie

Make an appointment.

A veterinary technician holding a dog and smiling

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.

Call us at 704.672.5590
Request Appointment