Heart disease is surprisingly common in dogs and cats, particularly as they get older. Although a diagnosis can be worrying, many heart conditions can be successfully managed, allowing pets to enjoy a good quality of life for years to come.
At Bicester Vets, we’re proud to offer an advanced cardiology service, combining additional clinical qualifications, sophisticated diagnostic equipment and ongoing care tailored to each patient.
Our cardiology service is led by Rachel Marsden, an RCVS Advanced Practitioner and postgraduate certificate holder in Veterinary Cardiology.
Rachel has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing heart disease in dogs and cats, including particularly challenging cases and congenital heart defects (conditions present from birth).
Her knowledge and experience mean that many pets can receive advanced cardiac investigations and ongoing treatment here at Bicester Vets, without needing to travel to a referral hospital.
One of the most important tools in diagnosing heart disease is echocardiography (ultrasound scanning of the heart).
Rachel performs detailed heart scans to assess the structure and function of the heart, investigate heart murmurs and diagnose a wide variety of cardiac conditions.
Regular follow-up scans are equally important. Some heart conditions can be monitored for years before medication becomes necessary. By carefully tracking changes over time, Rachel can help determine the most appropriate time to begin or adjust treatment, avoiding unnecessary medication while ensuring patients receive it when they need it.
Alongside echocardiography, we have a 12-lead ECG machine, which provides particularly detailed information about the heart’s electrical activity and helps diagnose abnormal heart rhythms.
When required, we can also arrange 24-hour ECG monitoring using equipment available to us through an external provider. This allows us to investigate intermittent rhythm abnormalities that might not appear during a normal consultation.
Our on-site CT scanner provides another valuable diagnostic option. Combining CT imaging with echocardiography allows us to investigate complex conditions affecting the heart, lungs and surrounding structures in greater detail.
From investigating a newly discovered heart murmur to managing advanced heart disease, we aim to provide continuity of care throughout your pet’s life.
Where a condition requires a procedure beyond the scope of our practice, such as cardiac surgery or an interventional treatment, we work closely with external referral centres to ensure patients can access the care they need.
Our goal is simple: accurate diagnosis, carefully timed treatment and helping every pet with heart disease enjoy the longest, healthiest and most comfortable life possible.
