Veterinary Cardiology
Advanced diagnostics and treatment from our board-certified veterinary cardiologist are focused on helping maintain the quality of life of dogs and cats with heart disease in Halifax and across Atlantic Canada.
Important Notice Regarding Cardiology Referrals
Thank you for your continued support and referrals to our Cardiology department. Dr. Orr cares deeply for the wellbeing of his individual patients and takes the time to create customized treatment plans for each pet he sees, whether they are new or returning cases. Due to the high volume of patient referrals from surrounding practices, and our commitment to providing a gold standard of care in a timely manner, we have decided to temporarily pause incoming referrals for new patients seeking our cardiology services.
Caring for the Heart Health of Pets in Atlantic Canada
We realize it can be scary and overwhelming to learn that your beloved pet may have heart disease. Our goal at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital is to make cardiac care accessible for pets throughout the Halifax region in order to improve the quality and length of life of your pet.
Our board-certified cardiologist has the advanced training to offer specialized diagnosis and treatment options of cardiovascular disease in dogs and cats. This includes such disorders as congestive heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative valve disease, systemic hypertension, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, and cardiac tumors.
Dr. Orr will work closely with your family veterinarian to tailor an individual diagnostic and treatment plan for your pet and ensure that you are well-educated about your pet’s underlying cardiac disease and prognosis.
By working together, our cardiology team can help to ensure the best possible outcome for your four-legged friend.
Please Note: Specialty services require a referral from a primary care veterinarian.
Our Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist
A veterinary cardiologist is a veterinarian who has completed advanced residency training in the field of veterinary cardiology and is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). They have completed an additional 4 years of advanced training beyond their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Dr. Orr is one of only four veterinary cardiologists located in Atlantic Canada.
Evaluation of Your Pet's Heart Health
At Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital, our veterinary cardiologist can diagnose and manage heart conditions in pets.
Dr. Orr will evaluate your pet's cardiac condition with a comprehensive cardiac examination, a review of your pet’s medical history, and non-invasive diagnostic testing.
Common cardiac diagnostic tests include:
- Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart muscle)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG that evaluates the heart rhythm)
- Ambulatory ECG (Holter monitoring which is often indicated in patients with arrhythmias and a history of fainting)
- Thoracic radiographs (allows identification of congestive heart failure and other pulmonary abnormalities)
- Blood pressure measurement
Following a detailed physical examination and diagnosis, our veterinary specialist will discuss next steps, develop an individualized treatment, and work closely with you and your primary veterinarian to help improve the length and quality of life of pets with heart issues.
Caring for Pets in Atlantic Canada
Our specialists are pleased to accept new patients by referral from primary care veterinarians. Our emergency service welcomes all clients – 24/7/365.