What cardiovascular conditions can affect my pet?

Pets can be affected by various cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, valve problems, and high blood pressure. These conditions can significantly impact a pet's quality of life and require specialized medical attention.

What signs should I look for in my pet that could indicate a need for a cardiac evaluation?

If your pet has a heart murmur, trouble breathing, a chronic cough, or an irregular heartbeat, it may be time for a cardiac evaluation. Other signs include high blood pressure, congenital heart defects, fainting, fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen, or difficulty with exercise. If your pet is at risk for anesthesia complications, our cardiologist can also assess their heart health to ensure the safest possible treatment plan.

What does a comprehensive cardiac examination involve?

Our comprehensive cardiac examination is a thorough consultation that includes a complete cardiac physical exam and non-invasive diagnostic tests to provide a detailed assessment of your pet's heart health.

What’s the difference between congenital heart diseases and acquired heart diseases?

Congenital heart diseases are cardiac abnormalities that your pet was born with while acquired heart diseases are absent at birth but may develop as your pet grows older.

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Cardiology

Name: Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin
Address: 1 Thorndale Drive, San Rafael, CA, 94903, US
Telephone: 415-456-7372

At Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

With best-in-class medicine, technology, and an expert team, we’re fully prepared to provide the complete, compassionate care your pet needs.

415-456-7372

Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

You've come to the right place

Multi-disciplinary and board-certified, our team of specialists have the training to identify, diagnose, and treat any condition.

Specialized care when they need it most

Our board-certified cardiologist helps pets who experience:

heart murmur or congenital heart defects
high blood pressure or cardiovascular disorders
irregular or abnormal heartbeat
chronic cough, fainting, weakness or trouble breathing

Getting your pet on the path to wellness is our #1 goal.

With years of experience and a range of advanced procedures and treatment options, we'll focus on restoring your pet's quality of life and your peace of mind.

We're here for your pet and your family

Schedule a visit. We’re here to help.

We want you and your pet to have the best experience possible. If you need us to reach out to your primary care veterinarian for your records, we’re happy to do so.

415-456-7372

Veterinary professionals in a clinical exam room with medical equipment around them.

Veterinary professionals working at a row of computers.

Three vets care for a small gray dog on an exam table in a clinical setting.

Veterinary exam room with large windows overlooking hills.

Four veterinary professionals wearing scrubs examine a white board in a clinical setting.

A vet professional hugs a cream dog with a black nose in a clinical setting.

Veterinary professionals caring for a cat in a clinical setting with medical equipment around them.

A vet holds a shiba inu with a cone on its neck in a clinical setting.

Conditions

If your pet is experiencing any of these conditions, rest assured our board-certified specialists are equipped to help.

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Acquired Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease
Heart failure
Arrhythmia
Syncope
Cough
Systemic Hypertension
Feline Heart Disease
Blood clot disorders

Diagnostics

Comprehensive diagnostic testing allows you to gain a complete understanding of your pet’s condition.

Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography)
ECG (electrocardiography)
Blood pressure measurement
Portable Continuous ECG monitoring (holter monitoring)
X-rays

Treatments

Our approach to treatment prioritizes improving your pet’s quality of life through personalized, compassionate care.

Transvenous pacemaker implantation
Short-term oxygen and injectable medications for acute heart failure
Custom anti-arrhythmic treatment plans based on continuous ECG monitoring

Prepare for your visit

01Call us directly to schedule an appointment or register your pet before you arrive.
02We’ll gather your pet’s records and collaborate with your primary veterinarian.
03Note your pet's medications, food type, eating habits, and symptoms.

During your visit

01We’ll examine your pet and talk through any additional tests, if needed.
02We’ll go over your pet’s diagnosis in detail together and answer all of your questions.
03You’ll receive a treatment plan, any medication, and helpful guidance before you leave.

After your visit

01Follow your pet’s treatment plan and monitor their symptoms.
02You know your pet best. If anything seems amiss or you have any concerns, give us a call — we’re here for you.
03Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as a part of your pet’s ongoing care.

Frequently asked questions

Gain insight into this condition or reach out to our team of specialists for additional information.

New patients

Fast track your visit

Save time by filling out our client registration form before your visit. (Not required.)

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Cardiology

At Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

You've come to the right place

Specialty care

On-site diagnostics

Expert oversight

Flexible payments

Specialized care when they need it most

Our board-certified cardiologist helps pets who experience:

Mari Waterman, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)