Veterinary Cardiology: What to Expect
You have learned that your pet needs to see a cardiologist and made an appointment. Now what? Here’s what to expect leading up to your pet’s appointment:
Before Your Appointment
The cardiology nurse will typically call a few days before your pets scheduled appointment to review your pet’s medical history, current medications, and to answer any questions you might have ahead of time. There are no pre-requisites prior to your visit, meaning your pet may eat and drink normally and any prescribed medications may be given! If your pet requires any pre-visit medications (anti-anxiety/sedatives) as prescribed by your pets primary care veterinarian, please give them as directed. A rough verbal estimate for services can be provided at this time, but may be subject to change once the doctor evaluates your pet.
During Your Appointment
Once you have arrived at the clinic, you will check in with the front desk where you will be asked to fill out any necessary paperwork. You will then head into an exam room where you will meet with the cardiology nurse face-to-face. The nurse will make sure there are not any changes or new concerns regarding your pet. New consult appointments typically take around 45 minutes to an hour.
The cardiologist will do an initial assessment on your pet and may make additional recommendations based on their physical exam. Your pet will then have its recommended procedures performed (this varies from patient to patient depending on their reason for visiting) and once the doctor evaluates all of the results, they will meet with you to discuss the findings. This will include If medications are warranted or should be changed, and next steps, including any additional testing that may be needed as well as recommended follow-up. You will receive a written copy of your visit as well as written prescriptions that you can take to the pharmacy of your choice.
After Your Appointment
Once the appointment is complete, the front desk will check you out and schedule any recheck appointments that might be needed. A copy of the visit summary will be forwarded to your referring/primary care veterinarian.