Cardiology is a sub-specialty of the internal medicine service. Patients suffering from heart conditions are managed under the close supervision of the service. Some of the conditions treated include dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and other heart arrhythmias. The use of ultrasound allows the doctor to visually evaluate heart function as well as look for tumors or other conditions that can affect the heart. Treatment is then initiated and closely monitored and adjusted based in periodic repeat ultrasounds and rechecks. The heart, given how dynamic it is, requires diligent monitoring to ensure therapy is adequate and successful.
Another method of evaluating the heart involves the use of a recorder that is attached to your pet and record the EKG output of your pet. This device, known as a Holter Monitor, is employed in human cardiac patients and is vital in diagnosing patients with conditions such as Syncope and other heart irregularities.