New specialist cardiology service launched for dogs and cats across the Midlands.
Pet owners across Derbyshire now have access to specialist heart care for their beloved animals closer to home, thanks to the launch of a new cardiology service at Dovecote Veterinary Specialists.
The referral hospital has announced that Dr Hannah Packham BVSc CertAVP (VC) MRCVS, an Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Cardiology, is joining the team and will begin seeing patients from 4 November.
Heart disease is one of the most common health issues affecting older pets, although some conditions can also be present from birth. The new service will help pets suffering from a wide range of heart conditions, including heart murmurs, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital heart defects and congestive heart failure.
It comes as vets warn that many heart conditions in pets can initially show only subtle signs, meaning owners may not realise their dog or cat has a potentially serious problem. Common warning signs can include:
- Becoming tired more easily on walks
- Breathing difficulties
- Exercise intolerance
- Collapse or fainting episodes
- Coughing
- Reduced energy levels
The new cardiology service will provide advanced investigations including echocardiography (heart ultrasound scans) and electrocardiograms (ECGs), allowing specialists to diagnose conditions and develop tailored treatment plans. The launch of the service means referring vets can now access specialist cardiology expertise at Dovecote for patients requiring further investigation, treatment and ongoing management – rather than asking patients to travel further afield.
Dr. Packham has extensive experience diagnosing and managing a wide range of canine and feline heart conditions.
" 'My love for cardiology started at vet school and has strengthened through my career. It’s a very complex and interesting area of veterinary medicine and the heart has such an important job to do in the body and so it’s essential to keep it functioning well. Treating patients with poorly hearts aims to improving their quality of life so they can continue to do the things they enjoy, and helping them live longer lives so we can spend more time with them, which I find hugely rewarding.'
"I am delighted to be joining the team. I hope that my expertise will strengthen the specialist services Dovecote provide and help ensure pets with heart disease can receive advanced care closer to home."