When your patient requires advanced cardiac assessment or ongoing management, our specialist veterinary cardiology team provides comprehensive care for a wide range of heart conditions in dogs and cats.

We work closely with referring veterinarians across Sydney to deliver timely, collaborative care and clear clinical communication.

With over 30 years of experience in veterinary cardiology, our service combines advanced imaging, interventional procedures, and evidence-based treatment to support both routine and complex cardiac cases.

From heart disease diagnosis through to advanced interventions such as pacemaker placement, our team is equipped to help improve both quality of life and long-term outcomes for your patients.

Early signs of heart disease can be subtle and may progress gradually. Symptoms may include:

• Reduced exercise tolerance or tiring easily
• Coughing, often worse at night or early in the morning
• Increased or more laboured breathing
• Restlessness or difficulty settling
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Fainting or collapse

If you notice any of these signs, your veterinarian may recommend referral to a cardiologist for further assessment.

A heart murmur is an additional sound heard when a veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart. Instead of the usual “lub‑dub,” a murmur sounds like a whooshing noise caused by turbulent blood flow. Heart murmurs can be innocent (harmless) or associated with underlying heart disease. Innocent murmurs are more common in young animals, or pets with conditions such as anaemia, while others may indicate structural changes within the heart, including valve disease or congenital defects. Further investigation is often recommended to determine the underlying cause and clinical significance.

Congenital heart disease refers to abnormalities of the heart or major blood vessels that are present from birth. These occur when the heart does not develop normally before a puppy or kitten is born. Some congenital conditions are mild and may not cause noticeable symptoms, while others require ongoing monitoring or treatment. Common types include: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): an abnormal blood vessel that fails to close after birth. Pulmonic or aortic stenosis: narrowing of the heart valves. Septal defects: holes between the chambers of the heart. Early diagnosis can play an important role in managing these conditions and improving long-term outcomes.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when a pet’s heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively, leading to a build-up of fluid in the lungs, chest, or abdomen. CHF is not a disease itself, but a stage of heart disease that develops over time as heart function declines. Common underlying causes include degenerative valves, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart conditions, or long-standing high blood pressure. CHF is more common in old pets with underlying health conditions, but it can occur at any age. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve quality of life.

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm, where the heart may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This occurs when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat become disrupted, affecting how efficiently blood is pumped around the body. Some arrhythmias may cause no noticeable symptoms, while others can lead to weakness, collapse, or reduced exercise tolerance. Diagnosis often involves specialised testing to assess the heart’s electrical activity and guide appropriate treatment.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects how the heart contracts and pumps blood. It can range from mild disease with no symptoms to more serious conditions that lead to heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms. Different forms of cardiomyopathy are seen in dogs and cats. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump effectively (more common in dogs). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): the heart muscle becomes thickened, making it harder for the heart to fill properly (most common in cats). Ongoing monitoring and management are often required to support heart function and reduce complications.

Referral cases: ask your regular veterinarian to refer your pet to our team. We’ll arrange the next steps and guide you through the process.

Emergency care: If your pet is unwell or you’re concerned about urgent symptoms, you can come directly to our hospital – no referral required. Our emergency team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We work as an extension of your team to deliver specialist‑led cardiac care, ensuring patients with known or suspected heart disease receive the highest standard of assessment, monitoring, and management.

We work closely with referring veterinarians to ensure continuity of cardiac care, from initial assessment and diagnosis through treatment, procedures, recovery, and ongoing management.