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Cardiology

When minutes matter most.

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What Is a Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist?

A veterinary cardiologist is a specialist with advanced training dedicated exclusively to diseases of the heart and circulatory system.

After veterinary school, a cardiologist completes several additional years of intensive residency training in cardiology, followed by rigorous board examinations. This advanced training allows them to diagnose complex cardiac conditions, interpret specialized imaging, and manage challenging cases with confidence.

When your pet is referred to EPIC’s cardiology service in Tampa or St. Petersburg, they are being evaluated by a doctor whose expertise is focused entirely on heart health.

Nora Sheehan
 Read More Liz Price, veterinary team member at Epic Specialty & Emergency Pet Care A golden retriever puppy lies on green grass, holding a yellow ball in its mouth, looking healthy and playful—just the way a caring vet or veterinarian loves to see during checkups, with a blurred background of trees and sunlight. Cristina Metral, veterinary team member at Epic Specialty & Emergency Pet Care Brittnee Frizol, veterinary team member at Epic Specialty & Emergency Pet Care A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black top and is posed against a plain, light gray background. Kasandra Miner, veterinary team member at Epic Specialty & Emergency Pet Care

When Should My Pet See a Cardiologist? Your primary care veterinarian is often the first to detect early signs of heart disease during a wellness exam. If a concern arises, they may refer you to EPIC for advanced cardiac evaluation. We diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, including:
  • Congenital heart defects (conditions present at birth)
  • Degenerative valve disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
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Your pet may benefit from a cardiology consultation if you notice:
  • A heart murmur
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Persistent coughing, especially at rest or overnight
  • Increased respiratory rate or effort
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Sudden weakness or collapse
  • Fainting episodes
  • Blue or pale gums
Early evaluation can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes. A black poodle wearing a harness and leash sits indoors, possibly in a veterinary clinic or hospital, with a blurred background showing people and medical equipment. A fluffy dog with a green bow in its hair shakes its head, causing its long fur to fly wildly in every direction while standing outside on a sunny day.

Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics at EPIC

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective heart care. Our Tampa and St. Petersburg cardiology services utilize advanced, non-invasive diagnostic technology to evaluate heart structure and function safely and comfortably.

An echocardiogram is the gold standard for diagnosing heart disease in dogs and cats. This painless imaging test uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the heart in motion.
It allows us to:
  • Evaluate heart chamber size and wall thickness
  • Assess valve function
  • Measure blood flow patterns
  • Determine pumping efficiency
  • Identify congenital abnormalities
Most pets tolerate the procedure very well, and sedation is rarely required.

An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is essential for diagnosing arrhythmias and determining whether medical management or further monitoring is needed.

Chest X-rays allow us to assess overall heart size and evaluate the lungs for fluid accumulation — a key indicator of congestive heart failure. This imaging also helps guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression.

Hypertension can contribute to or worsen heart disease. We routinely measure blood pressure as part of a comprehensive cardiac evaluation to ensure optimal management.

Some heart rhythm abnormalities occur intermittently and may not appear during a brief hospital visit. A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device your pet wears at home, allowing us to evaluate heart rhythm during normal daily activity.

This is especially helpful for pets experiencing unexplained fainting or suspected intermittent arrhythmias.

Comprehensive Heart Care Across Tampa Bay At EPIC, our cardiology service works collaboratively with your primary veterinarian to ensure seamless, coordinated care. Whether your pet requires a one-time consultation, ongoing monitoring, or long-term management of heart disease, our team is here to support you.

With veterinary cardiology services available at both our Tampa and St. Petersburg hospitals, EPIC provides advanced heart care close to home.

Our commitment is to:
  • Deliver accurate, timely diagnoses
  • Create individualized treatment plans
  • Monitor and adjust therapy as needed
  • Provide clear communication and compassionate guidance
When it comes to your pet’s heart, you deserve expertise you can trust. EPIC is proud to offer advanced veterinary cardiology services to families throughout the Tampa Bay community. A golden retriever with a thick, wavy coat lies on green grass, looking calmly at the camera with gentle eyes. Sunlight highlights its fur. Close-up of a happy golden retriever with its mouth open and tongue out, outdoors with green trees and a blue sky in the background.