Service
Cardiology
Cardiac evaluations and echocardiography performed by a veterinarian with advanced training in heart diagnostics.
Where Exceptional Medicine Meets Genuine Compassion
Clear Answers for Complex Heart Conditions
Heart disease in dogs and cats is common, but it isn’t simple. Many cardiac conditions progress slowly, present subtly, or look very different from one patient to the next. The most important step in managing heart disease is getting the diagnosis right, and that requires more than just detecting a murmur or performing a quick scan.
At Upleash, cardiology care is built around careful evaluation, advanced echocardiography, and thoughtful interpretation, so treatment decisions are based on accurate information, not assumptions.
The upleash approach
What Sets Our Cardiology Care Apart
An echocardiogram is not a single image or a quick screening test. A proper cardiac exam requires:
- Obtaining specific, standardized imaging views
- Evaluating each chamber and valve
- Assessing blood flow patterns and pressures
- Understanding how structure and function interact
Dr. Krista Hardy has advanced training in echocardiography and cardiac diagnostics. Her expertise allows her not only to capture high-quality images, but to interpret what those images mean in the context of your pet’s overall health.
This distinction matters. An echocardiogram is only as useful as the experience of the person performing the study and the quality of the interpretation.
What to Expect During a Cardiology Consultation
A cardiology visit at Upleash is unhurried and comprehensive. We focus on understanding the whole picture before making recommendations all while making sure that your pet is comfortable while we perform our diagnostics.
An initial cardiac evaluation may include:
- Complete review of medical history, prior diagnostics, and lab work
- Detailed physical examination
- Blood pressure measurement
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Thoracic radiographs
- Comprehensive echocardiogram
- A clear treatment plan tailored to your pet
When outside consultation is needed, imaging and findings can be reviewed with board-certified cardiologists to ensure confidence in complex cases.
Conditions Commonly Evaluated
We evaluate and manage a wide range of cardiac conditions, including:
- Heart murmurs (innocent and pathologic)
- Congestive heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Chronic valvular disease
- Cardiomyopathies in cats
Not every murmur requires treatment, and not every abnormality requires aggressive intervention. Part of good cardiology care is knowing when to treat — and when not to.
Signs That May Warrant Cardiac Evaluation
Heart disease does not always cause obvious symptoms early on. A cardiac evaluation may be recommended if your pet has:
- Coughing or increased respiratory effort
- Reduced stamina or exercise intolerance
- Fainting or collapse
- Abdominal distention
- Abnormal heart sounds noted on exam
Early, accurate assessment allows for better long-term planning and can significantly affect outcomes.
How Cardiology Fits Into Your Pet’s Care
Cardiac disease rarely exists in isolation. We integrate cardiology findings with:
- Advanced imaging
- Internal medical evaluation
- Surgical planning
- Oncology care, when needed
This collaborative approach ensures that heart disease is factored appropriately into anesthesia decisions, medication choices, and overall treatment plans.
A Measured, Individualized Approach
Not every heart condition requires immediate medication. Not every diagnosis carries the same risk. Our goal is to help you understand:
- What is happening now
- What may change over time
- Which interventions matter most
We focus on quality of life, realistic expectations, and clear communication, so you can make informed decisions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Precision First. Confidence Follows.
Cardiology isn’t about reacting to a single diagnostic tool, it’s about understanding the heart as a system. With a thorough and complete evaluation, everything that follows becomes clearer.
Meet Our Skilled Team
Our team provides thoughtful, relationship-first care, combining advanced medical expertise with genuine compassion for every pet and family.
“Testimonials, as authentic endorsements from satisfied customers, serve as potent social proof, significantly inspiring trust in potential consumers.”
Expert Care for your pet
Should You Seek Cardiology Care?
If your pet has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, has unexplained symptoms, or is facing a medical or surgical decision where heart health matters, a cardiology consultation can provide clarity and direction.
Our team is here to guide the next steps with accuracy, experience, and care.
