Charleston Veterinary Cardiology

Frequently asked questions

What is the benefit of having a board-certified veterinary cardiologist manage a pet's heart condition?

Patients with congestive heart failure live 75% longer when co-managed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and their primary care veterinarian. A board-certified veterinary cardiologist has advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions of the heart and circulatory system, ensuring comprehensive and effective long-term management of heart disease.

What services does Charleston Veterinary Cardiology offer for diagnosing heart conditions?

Charleston Veterinary Cardiology offers several diagnostic services including echocardiography for evaluating heart structure and function, radiographs (x-rays) to assess heart size and lung condition, blood pressure measurement to detect hypertension, and electrocardiography (ECG) to identify irregular heart rhythms. They also perform laboratory blood tests to evaluate kidney function, electrolytes, and thyroid status.

Why is a cardiology workup important if a heart murmur or arrhythmia is detected before anesthesia?

When a heart murmur or arrhythmia is detected on a pre-anesthetic examination, a cardiology workup is essential to determine the anesthetic risk. This allows the veterinary team to create an appropriate and safe anesthetic plan for the pet.

What is Dr. Jake Jacobson's background and credentials?

Dr. Jake Jacobson was raised in Charleston, SC, and obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia. He completed an internship at Colorado State University, followed by cardiology training at Florida Veterinary Specialists, and a 3-year cardiology residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Cardiology Specialty (DACVIM, Cardiology).