BluePearl Pet Hospital
Monterey
Del Rey Oaks, CA
Cardiology

24/7 Emergency and Specialty

Pet cardiology by BluePearl.

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.

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, 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.

  • 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

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.

Michael Lesser

DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Cardiology

Cardiology
On the job

Dr. Michael Lesser’s special interests include non-invasive techniques like echocardiography, color flow doppler ultrasound, electrocardiography, and blood pressure monitoring. He finds cases involving pacemaker implantation, balloon valvuloplasty, angiography, and transcatheter occlusion for patent ductus arteriosus particularly gratifying.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
  • Residency, Cardiology, The Animal Medical Center, New York City, NY
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, The Animal Medical Center, New York City, NY
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Medford, MA
  • Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy of Science, State University of New York, Binghamton
Off duty

In his free time, Dr. Lesser enjoys working on his family’s ranch which includes dogs, cats, donkeys, alpacas and tortoises.

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.