Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care
I Have An Emergency
Veterinary Cardiology in Oakdale, MN
Heart disease doesn’t just affect the heart—it impacts your pet’s quality of life, their comfort, and the time you get to spend together. At Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC), our goal is to support both pets and the people who love them through every stage of diagnosis and treatment.
Heart conditions in pets can be challenging to detect—and even more difficult to manage without specialized care. Our board-certified veterinary cardiologists provide advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans for dogs and cats with known or suspected heart disease.
When to See a Veterinary Cardiologist
If your pet is experiencing any of the following signs, it’s time to consider a cardiology consultation:
- Difficulty breathing (labored or rapid)
- Coughing
- Exercise intolerance, weakness
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Fainting or Collapse
- Swollen abdomen
Early diagnosis can delay the progression of heart disease—and, in many cases, add meaningful years to your pet’s life.
What to Expect
Led by board-certified veterinary cardiologists, the AERCMN team uses state-of-the-art tools to diagnose and manage heart conditions, including:
Echocardiography
This detailed ultrasound of the heart evaluates valve function, heart muscle strength and thickness, blood flow, and the overall ability of the heart to fill and pump effectively. It also assesses major blood vessels and the pericardium.
Electrocardiography (ECG)
This test measures the heart’s electrical activity from multiple angles to detect arrhythmias and assess whether they’re benign or potentially life-threatening.
Holter Monitoring
These lightweight digital monitors are worn comfortably by your pet for up to 96 hours, recording every heartbeat as they go about their daily routine. This continuous monitoring helps us better understand how their heart functions outside the clinic, leading to more accurate diagnosis and treatment. See it in action!
Cardiac Blood Tests
Tests like NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin I help us assess heart muscle stress and injury, and provide vital information for diagnosis, staging, and prognosis.
Blood Pressure Monitoring:
Accurate blood pressure readings are crucial in cardiology. Our technicians are highly skilled at obtaining reliable results, even with nervous patients, providing accuracy and connection.
How to Make An Appointment
Cardiology services are available by appointment at our Oakdale location.
- Pet Owner Appointments
Pet owners may call or email us directly to schedule an appointment at our Oakdale location. We’ll work with your family veterinarian to obtain any necessary records. - Veterinarian Referrals
Veterinarians may send referrals through our online form, by email, or by calling us directly. Please include relevant patient history to help us provide the most informed care.
Whether your animal companion is showing symptoms or has been referred by their primary veterinarian, we’re here to help you navigate the next steps with clarity and compassion.