Hearing that your pet needs to see a cardiologist can feel overwhelming – but it’s often the best next step toward clarity and comfort. At BluePearl Monterey, our cardiology team partners with your family veterinarian to diagnose and manage heart conditions in dogs and cats.
Why your pet may need a cardiologist.
Your vet may refer your pet to a specialist if:
- A heart murmur or arrhythmia is detected during an exam
- Your pet faints, collapses, or tires easily
- Breathing changes or coughing are present
- Imaging shows potential heart enlargement
- Long-term heart medications are being considered
- They want a second opinion or advanced diagnostics
Cardiologists provide expertise, tools, and perspective beyond the scope of routine care.
What to expect during your pet’s cardiology visit.
At BluePearl Monterey, your pet’s appointment may include:
- A complete medical history review
- Physical exam focused on heart and lung sounds
- Diagnostic testing such as echocardiogram, x-rays, ECG, or bloodwork
- A customized diagnosis and treatment plan
- Answers to all your questions and concerns
We focus on education, transparency, and collaboration at every step.
What happens after your cardiology visit?
After your appointment:
- We’ll send a full summary and records to your family vet
- Your pet may begin medication or monitoring
- We’ll coordinate ongoing care with both you and your referring veterinarian
- If needed, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to track progress
Our goal is to work as an extension of your pet’s care team – not a replacement.
Pet cardiology services at BluePearl Monterey — FAQ.
Hearing that your pet needs to see a cardiologist can initially seem daunting, but it is often a crucial step towards ensuring your pet's health and well-being. Your veterinarian might refer your pet to a cardiologist if they detect a heart murmur or arrhythmia during an examination. Other reasons for referral include episodes of fainting, collapsing, or noticeable fatigue in your pet. Changes in breathing patterns or persistent coughing can also warrant a specialist's attention. Additionally, if imaging reveals potential heart enlargement or if long-term heart medications are being considered, a cardiologist's expertise can be invaluable. Sometimes, a second opinion or advanced diagnostics are needed to provide clarity and comprehensive care. Cardiologists bring specialized knowledge and tools that extend beyond routine veterinary care, offering a deeper understanding of your pet's heart health.
When you bring your pet to BluePearl Monterey for a cardiology consultation, the visit is designed to be thorough and informative. The appointment typically begins with a complete review of your pet's medical history, followed by a physical examination with a focus on heart and lung sounds. Diagnostic testing may be conducted, which can include echocardiograms, x-rays, ECGs, or bloodwork, depending on your pet's specific needs. Based on the findings, a customized diagnosis and treatment plan will be developed. Throughout the visit, our team prioritizes education, transparency, and collaboration, ensuring that all your questions and concerns are addressed comprehensively.
Following your pet's cardiology appointment, BluePearl Monterey ensures seamless communication and continuity of care. A detailed summary and all relevant medical records will be sent to your family veterinarian to keep them informed. Depending on the diagnosis, your pet may begin a regimen of medication or require ongoing monitoring. Our team will coordinate closely with both you and your referring veterinarian to manage your pet's care effectively. If necessary, follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your pet's progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Our goal is to function as an extension of your pet's existing care team, providing specialized support without replacing the essential role of your family veterinarian.
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