What is a board certified veterinary cardiologist?

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine is an organization of veterinarians specializing in cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, and oncology. This organization awards qualified specialists diplomate status. To be eligible for diplomate status in cardiology, a licensed veterinarian must complete a one year internship program followed by extensive specialized training in an approved cardiology residency program (usually 3-5 years).

Following successful completion of a cardiology residency and associated requirements, the last step in the certification process is a rigorous multi-day comprehensive examination administered by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Only those veterinarians that complete their training and successfully complete the exam achieve Diplomate status and are recognized as experts by the medical community.

Veterinary cardiologists are an important part of your pet's medical team from the moment a cardiac abnormality is recognized as early diagnosis and appropriate therapy help your pet to live a longer and healthier life. Cardiologists work with your primary care veterinarian to help your pet achieve maximum cardiovascular health.

With the increased availability of mobile ultrasonographers, please be aware that we consider echocardiography a highly dynamic study that is dependent on the skill and experience of the operator. Unless an echocardiogram is performed and interpreted by a residency-trained or board-certified cardiologist, we are inclined to repeat the study to obtain our own assessment.