CARDIOLOGY

A Cardiologist is a Veterinarian with specialized training and experience in evaluating the heart and circulatory system. At Foothill Farms Veterinary Hospital we work closely with a board certified Cardiologist who offers his services at our facility.
The most common Cardiology services offered include non invasive echocardiogram (a specialized ultrasound of the heart chambers, valves and vessels) and EKG (evaluation of the heart rate and rhythm) .

When might we recommend an evaluation by the cardiologist?

Screening prior to general anesthesia
a heart murmur or arrythmia heard during an exam
the heart appears enlarged on chest X rays
your pet is on a grain free diet
your pet is a high risk breed to develop heart disease, arrythmia or heart tumors
Your pet is coughing and we suspect a cardiac cause
Exercise intolerance
Fainting episodes (syncope)
High blood pressure

After their evaluation, the Cardiologist will work closely with the Veterinary team at FFVH to collaboratively manage any heart conditions that your pet may have. Early detection and management of heart disease can help your pet live a longer, healthier life. To schedule a cardiology consultation please call us.

  • Screening prior to general anesthesia
  • A heart murmur or arrythmia heard during an exam
  • The heart appears enlarged on chest X rays
  • Your pet is on a grain free diet
  • Your pet is a high risk breed to develop heart disease, arrythmia or heart tumors
  • Your pet is coughing and we suspect a cardiac cause
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Fainting episodes (syncope)
  • High blood pressure

BRIAN MACKIE, DVM, DACVIM

Cardiology Specialist

Dr. MacKie, DVM received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 2005. Following a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery, he completed his residency training in Cardiology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. During his time there, Dr. MacKie helped to implement the use of the Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder for non-invasive treatment of congenital heart disease and assisted in prospective research on pulmonary hypertension and cardiac biomarkers. His clinical interests include echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG), pulmonary hypertension in dogs, syncope (fainting) associated with heart disease and arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, and congestive heart failure (CHF). Dr. MacKie is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology).

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