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Veterinary Cardiology at CVETS
Our Veterinary Cardiology department is dedicated to providing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care for pets with heart-related conditions.
Advanced Cardiology for Pets.
The CVETS Cardiology department is staffed by a board-certified Veterinary Cardiologist who has undergone extensive additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and cardiac conduction system.
Advanced, Compassionate Care.
The advanced diagnostic imaging equipment available at our animal hospital enables Dr. Kennerly to be able to diagnose and develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your pet’s condition.
Pre-Anesthetic Cardiac Evaluation
A pre-anesthetic cardiac evaluation is a checkup of a pet’s heart before they undergo anesthesia for a procedure, like surgery. The goal is to ensure that their heart is healthy enough to handle the anesthesia and surgery safely. During this evaluation, Dr. Kennerly will typically listen to the heart, do some tests like blood work or an ultrasound, and assess any existing heart conditions. This helps to minimize risks and ensure a smoother experience for the patient during the procedure.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography, often referred to as an “echo,” is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of the heart. It’s a non-invasive and painless way to assess the structure and function of the patient’s heart.
Dr. Kennerly is able to perform complete echocardiography services including:
- 2D
- M-mode
- Doppler studies
- Contrast echocardiography
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Electrocardiography (ECG) is an important diagnostic tool used in veterinary medicine to assess the heart’s electrical activity in pets. This non-invasive procedure involves placing electrodes on the skin of the patient to record their heart rhythms and identify potential heart conditions. We use ECGs to detect arrhythmias and monitor the effectiveness of treatments for various cardiac diseases.
Dr. Kennerly offers the following electrocardiography services:
- 6-Lead Diagnostic Electrocardiography
- 12-Lead Diagnostic Electrocardiography
- Ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter Monitor)
Minimally Invasive Procedures
- PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus)
Pacemaker Implantation
If your pet has been diagnosed with a slow or irregular heartbeat, a pacemaker could be the key to helping them live a normal, happy, and active life again.
At CVETS, we offer the only veterinary pacemaker implantation service in Columbia, SC led by our board-certified veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Rebecca Kennerly. Using advanced imaging and surgical precision, we deliver seamless, compassionate care from diagnosis through recovery.
Learn more on this page.
Heartworm Extractions
When heartworms migrate into the heart itself, dogs can develop Caval Syndrome—a critical, often fatal condition. At this stage, medications won’t work, and surgery becomes the only option. Heartworm extraction relieves the obstruction in the heart, but follow-up treatment is still needed to address the remaining infection in the lungs. Without surgery, most dogs with caval syndrome won’t survive more than a few days.
CVETS offers veterinary heartworm extraction service in Columbia, performed by our board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Rebecca Kennerly, using state-of-the-art imaging and catheter-based techniques to safely remove heartworms in emergency scenarios.
Learn more on this page.
P.D.A. Surgery
P.D.A. (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) surgery in pets, particularly in dogs, is a surgical procedure to close a persistent ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that fails to close after birth. This condition can lead to health problems if untreated.
Proudly Offering OFA Cardiac Exams
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is an organization that aims to promote the health and welfare of companion animals, particularly through the increased understanding and prevention of hereditary diseases.
The OFA cardiac exam specifically focuses on assessing the heart health of dogs. Our board-certified veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Rebecca Kennerly is certified to evaluate heart conditions.
Meet Our Veterinary Cardiologist
