What to expect during your appointment
Minimizing stress for you and your pet​: A diagnosis of heart disease can be stressful for owners and their pets. Dr. Oxford strives to minimize stress by using gentle patient restraint in a quiet setting. In most cases, you will be asked to wait separately while we examine your pet. This allows us to complete the testing most efficiently. We will meet with you at the end of the appointment to explain the results and answer your questions.
The cardiovascular evaluation: Your pet will have a thorough cardiovascular examination performed by Dr. Oxford. This includes listening to the heart and lungs, evaluating gum color, and feeling pulses.
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Echocardiogram: A comprehensive echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) is the "heart" of the evaluation and is performed at every appointment. This test reveals the structure and function of the heart and helps to guide the best treatment for your pet.
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Further testing available: Depending on your pet's individual disease, an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) may be performed to evaluate for arrhythmias. If there is concern that your pet may have dangerous arrhythmias, a 24-hour Holter monitor may be placed to evaluate the heart rate and rhythm over a longer window of time.
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If indicated, your pet's blood pressure or blood work to evaluate kidney function may also be performed.
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Detailed communication: Both you and your primary care veterinarian will be given a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the appointment, clinical assessment and prognosis, and any treatments that may be indicated.
Medical management of cardiovascular disease can feel overwhelming, and Dr. Oxford specializes in individualized patient care. Her love of teaching helps to build an understanding of disease processes with pet owners. Frequent communications with owners and their primary care veterinarians absolutely helps to improve patient quality of life, and she truly believes that building this open line early on prolongs the life of her patients.
