Specialist Veterinary Cardiology Practice for dogs and cats
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Did you know the kennel club breed standard for the English Bull Terrier's temperament states that "Although obstinate is particularly good with people" 😂
Lovely Brewster has been coming to us for a while, and is always a pleasure to look after. We do, however, have to remove the bin from the room before his visits as he obstinately refuses to keep his head out of it 😂😂❤️
Did you know, unlike many other breeds of dog poodles have hair (which continues to grow!), not fur?
Curly cavapoo Charlie came for a recheck for his mitral valve disease this week with his hair looking very smart 🥰 he was a superstar for his scan, having a brief nap in the process
Did you know May is Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month?
We have a fantastic team of skilled, knowledgeable nurses who provide a wide range of skills, including
- triaging patients
- providing clients with support and advice
- monitoring critically ill patients
- holding patients for heart scans in a way that makes them feel safe and calm
- fitting ECG monitors
- monitoring blood pressure
- taking radiographs
- taking blood samples
- assisting with surgeries
- dispensing medication
- processing insurance claims
All RVN's are highly qualified, regulated by the RCVS, committed to continuing education and training, and accountable for their professional conduct so when you see the title 'RVN' you can be assured your pet is in safe hands ❤️
Did you know the grandest throne made was the 17th century Delhi peacock throne, which was set with jewels and raised on a dais with silver steps?
Archie couldn't find anything quite grand enough for his majesty, so had to make do with the cardiologists chair while he waited for Katie to discuss his treatment with his mum 👑
Did you know the Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest breeds of dog, originating in Ireland and viewed with great esteem by the ancient Celts?
Beautiful Cleopatra came in for an appointment today on her birthday! Luckily she'd had her birthday presents this morning and received lots of good treats that she enjoyed while she was here 🥳❤️
Did you know we are proud to be a local independently owned practice and aim to be fair and transparent with our pricing?
You can find more pricing details on our website, or call us for any further information.
Did you know, the worlds largest pretzel weighed in at nearly 382kg and was 26.8 feet long and 10.2 feet wide?!
Weighing in at less than 2kg, tiny Pretzel the pomeranian was diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (a birth defect where a communication between two main arteries didn't close after birth as it should). Sarah performed surgery to close the ductus, giving Pretzel the chance to lead a full and normal life ❤️
Did you know the pumping action of the heart muscle is controlled by an electrical conduction system made up of specialist cells?
The electrical impulse passes down through the conduction system, resulting in contraction of the atria first, slowing at the atrioventricular node, before passing down through the lower part of the heart to elicit contraction of the ventricles.
Abnormalities in this electrical system can result in irregularities in the conduction of the impulse through the heart, which means the heart doesn't pump normally.
Mirren came to us at the end of last year after episodes of fainting. Following a heart scan and 24 hour ECG, she was diagnosed with atrioventricular block, meaning that the electrical impulse wasn't being conducted down to her ventricles (which are the main pumping chambers that send blood around the body). On her ECG, you can see the red arrows showing the atrial contraction with no tall waves following. These long periods without contraction of the ventricle were what was causing Mirren to faint. The blue arrow shows an escape beat, where the ventricles try to save the heart with a beat generated from cells outside the normal conduction system.
We implanted a pacemaker in October and Mirren has had no further episodes since, with normal heart function at her rechecks ❤️ at her most recent check her owners said she has even started to find her naughty streak!
Did you know the first balloon valvuloplasty procedure to treat pulmonic stenosis in a dog was performed in a bulldog in 1980?
Our own first, Korby, who had his balloon valvuloplasty in 2020, came for his 6 monthly recheck recently and was doing very well ❤️
Did you know, the first biscuit factory was born in Britain in 1846, established by Huntley and Palmers?
We had a lovely surprise delivery of biscuits arrive on Friday afternoon, but sadly, there was no note with them in order for us to thank whoever sent them.
If you were the kind gifter, please do let us know - they are delicious and were very gratefully received ❤️
Did you know are a wonderful local rescue who we often work with when they have dogs come into their care requiring cardiac investigations or treatment for heart conditions?
This week has been a busy week for them, with 3 month old George and 6 year old Jess both in for heart scans. Both dogs were perfect patients, and despite their rough starts, they were incredibly sweet and very trusting, with baby George falling asleep during his scan 😴❤️
An incredibly worthy charity to support
Did you know, historian and economist Robert Boyce said, "Knowledge is power, knowledge shared is power multiplied"?
Ruth, Elle and Emma from our team shared some of their knowledge with nurses from other cardiology practices recently at our first cardiology nurse CPD event, focusing on subjects including ECGs, interventional cardiology, anaesthesia for cardiac patients and cardiac emergencies ❤️
We would like to wish all of our wonderful patients and their people a peaceful and happy Christmas ❤️
We will be closed until Wednesday morning, but if you need help during the festive period, please call the usual number for details of our out of hours service.
Last orders for medication before the Christmas break!
We will close from 6pm tomorrow until 8.30am on the 27th December.
Please make sure that your pets have enough medication to last during this time.
For post, orders need to be phoned through by 3pm latest today. Orders may be collected until tomorrow afternoon.
Did you know Wolves were hunted to extinction in England around 1500, with the last packs found in Lancashires forests, Yorkshires Wolds, and Derbyshire's Peak District?
This lovely Wolfie came to us a few months ago for surgery to close a patent ductus arteriosus and was back for his first recheck heart scan recently, having tripled in size! Thankfully, despite the severity of his condition, surgery was successful, and his heart was much improved ❤️
Did you know, muzzle training can be a valuable skill to teach your dog, even if they don't usually need to wear a muzzle? While we generally don't muzzle our patients, there are occasions where we may need to.
By learning to wear one in a positive manner, the muzzle then doesn't become a trigger for stress.
Jo Jackson RVN MSc AABT (applied animal behaviour and training) demonstrates here how to go about muzzle training in a fear free way
(This is also useful for our XL Bully patients and their people 😔)
Did you know Dilated Cardiomyopathy (or DCM) is the most common cardiac disease in Dobermans, which results in stretched heart muscle, reduced contractility and arrhythmias. There are often no outward signs of the disease, and so screening involving heart scans and 24 hour Holter ECG monitoring is recommended.
Brother and sister Dax and Storm came for screening recently and were model patients having their Holter monitors fitted. They also looked particularly smart in their special Holter shirts 😎❤️
Did you know, most of our patients need to come back to us for regular rechecks to monitor the progression of their heart disease? Because of this, we always try our best to make our patients as comfortable and relaxed as possible to ensure a stress free visit.
Beautiful Amber has been coming to see us for many years and was very pleased to see us at her recent appointment (as we were to see her 💕)
Did you know, an Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder (or ACDO) is a type of mesh plug designed to close a patent ductus arteriosus using interventional catheters? These are passed into the heart via the femoral artery in the back leg. You can see the ACDO being positioned in the ductus here.
The ductus arteriosus is a small vessel which connects the aorta and pulmonary artery in the foetus, allowing the non functional lungs to be bypassed. Once a puppy is born and their lungs are working normally, this connection should close separating the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. If this doesn''t happen, the open ductus is called a patent ductus arteriosus, which must be closed either surgically or interventionally (as in this case) to prevent the patient going into heart failure.
Did you know occasionally we get to scan celebrities?! 🤩
Crufts finalist Trip, whose work includes the Anchor butter ad, tv dramas, and Britain's got talent, came for an appointment today and showed off some of his tricks for us ❤️
Did you know our consulting rooms are officially explosive free?!
Retired police dog Rick came in for a heart scan this week to investigate a heart murmur, and while here, he took the opportunity to confirm we were all safe ❤️ thank you for the excellent service Rick!
Did you know 'The Princess and the Pea' by Hans Christian Andersen was first published in 1835?
Our own little Princess Adelaine discovered her first pea this week. She's healing well thanks to her round the clock nursing care and learning about lots of new things ❤️
Did you know our staff start their training young? ❤️
One of nurses, Amy, is currently fostering little Adelaine for following her diagnosis of a patent ductus arteriosus. Adelaine had successful surgery last week to close the ductus (a connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery which should close at birth) and Amy's family have been helping to provide round the clock nursing care while she recovers 💕
Did you know, Sarah will be trekking the North York Moors on the 22nd of July with a small group of friends to raise money for the Alzheimers Society?
You can read more about it or donate to the cause here;
https://www.justgiving.com/team/kingsfeet?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=team&utm_content=kingsfeet&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=e0a604559e1b4669a8c6609d33f18781&fbclid=IwAR3E_yuPYiM5Tr6DjgcX88zkOd8L6PR7qJgq0HufnRBo3dkLZRk2bzwr5Eo_aem_AfSNxbaSnDmoM0Ks1a7OAjsiX12PCIbaB1SXCPx18wJQRWVd7tiOy7rMjOSBqT-a7-U
Did you know in this heatwave, it's especially important to keep cardiac patients or those with airway problems cool?
We have a full range of cool coats in stock (as modelled here by the very handsome Stanley) and can give advice on these and other ways of supporting your pet through the heat
Did you know all tabby cats have an 'M' marking on their foreheads? Handsome Milo proudly modelled his markings when he came for investigation of his heart murmur.
This marvellous M has many legends behind it.
- the 'M' stands for 'mau' which in Ancient Egypt meant 'cat'.
- In Christian folklore, a tabby cat dutifully showed up to comfort baby Jesus. In gratitude, his mother Mary stroked the cat's head and left an 'M' mark on its forehead.
- In Islamic legend, a tabby cat named Muezza, saved his master Mohammed from a poisonous snake. To mark their special place in the feline world, all tabby cats from then on were rewarded with an 'M' on their forehead
Did you know that an average dog can learn 165 words?
Mambo definitely knows more than your average dog (including knowing his left and right!) and can get himself into position for his heart scan like a pro with a few words from mum ❤️
Did you know that May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month?
We have an amazing team of experienced and skilled nurses supporting our cardiologists. They triage patients, assist with scans (where good, gentle, patient handling skills are essential as we rarely sedate our patients), take and run laboratory samples, dispense medication, monitor intensive care patients, take radiographs, perform anaesthesia, assist in surgery, provide home care support to clients and give nutrition advise among other things
Did you know since 1601 there has only been one Coronation in the month of May?
We are open today as normal but will be closed for the Kings Coronation from tomorrow for the bank holiday, reopening on Tuesday at 8.30am.
If you are worried about your pet over the bank holiday, our out of hours emergency service will be available for patients currently under our care.
Please check you have enough medication to last until we reopen and if you need anything urgently or have any queries call us on 01283 733766
Did you know, lungworm (or angiostrongylus vasorum) is a type of parasitic worm which is passed on to dogs via slugs, snails and frogs?
Dogs may ingest the larvae in several ways - eating slugs and snails directly, or accidently when drinking from puddles or outdoor bowls, eating grass or playing with toys left out in the grass. It can also be found in the slug slime trail, meaning anywhere the slug passes over carries risk. Once in the body, the larvae develop into adult worms, which live in the heart and blood vessels and cause symptoms, including breathing difficulties, coughing, general illness, and clotting problems. While lungworm can be very serious, it can luckily be easily prevented by using an appropriate monthly antiparasite treatment. Not all flea and worming treatments cover lungworm, so if your pet is at risk talk to your vet to ensure that you use one that provides the right protection.
Ivy Court, Willington Road, Etwall
Derby
DE656JG
| Monday | 8:30am - 6pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 6pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 6pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 6pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 6pm |
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Did you know the Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest breeds of dog, originating in Ireland and viewed with great esteem by the ancient Celts? Beautiful Cleopatra came in for an appointment today on her birthday! Luckily she'd had her birthday presents this morning and received lots of good treats that she enjoyed while she was here 🥳❤️ . . . #irishwolfhound #wolfhoundsofinstagram #birthdaygirl #gentlegiant #giantbreed #goodestgirl #cardiologyreferral #smallanimalcardiology #caninecardiology #helpingheartswagtails
Did you know, muzzle training can be a valuable skill to teach your dog, even if they don't usually need to wear a muzzle? While we generally don't muzzle our patients, there are occasions where we may need to. By learning to wear one in a positive manner, the muzzle then doesn't become a trigger for stress. Jo Jackson RVN MSc AABT (applied animal behaviour and training) demonstrates here how to go about muzzle training in a fear free way (This is also useful for our XL Bully patients and their people 😔) . . . #positivetraining #positivetrainingworks #positivereinforcement #muzzletraining #dogsofinstagram #smallanimalvets #smallanimalreferral #helpingheartswagtails
Did you know, an Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder (or ACDO) is a type of mesh plug designed to close a patent ductus arteriosus using interventional catheters? These are passed into the heart via the femoral artery in the back leg. You can see the ACDO being positioned in the ductus here. The ductus arteriosus is a small vessel which connects the aorta and pulmonary artery in the foetus, allowing the non functional lungs to be bypassed. Once a puppy is born and their lungs are working normally, this connection should close separating the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. If this doesn''t happen, the open ductus is called a patent ductus arteriosus, which must be closed either surgically or interventionally (as in this case) to prevent the patient going into heart failure. . . . #smallanimalcardiology #patentductusarteriosus #interventionalcardiology #cardiologyreferral #smallanimalreferral #acdo #pdapuppy #caninecongenitalheartdefect #canineheartsurgery
Did you know occasionally we get to scan celebrities?! 🤩 Crufts finalist Trip, whose work includes the Anchor butter ad, tv dramas, and Britain's got talent, came for an appointment today and showed off some of his tricks for us ❤️ . . . #dogswhodotricks #dancingdog #celebritydog #starstruck #smartdog #tvdog #performingdogs #helpingheartswagtails #cardiologyreferral #smallanimalcardiology #smallanimalreferral
Did you know 'The Princess and the Pea' by Hans Christian Andersen was first published in 1835? Our own little Princess Adelaine discovered her first pea this week. She's healing well thanks to her round the clock nursing care and learning about lots of new things ❤️ . . . #chihuahua #chihuahuapuppy #princessandthepea #puppylove #pdapuppy #congenitalheartdefect #cardiologyreferral #smallanimalcardiology #smallanimalreferral #helpingheartswagtails
Did you know we aim to provide complete catisfaction for our patients at their visits? The key to Bruce's heart turned out to be licky lix, which he thoroughly enjoyed before, during, and after his heart scan 😋 ❤️ . . . #britishshorthair #bshcat #felinefriendly #catfriendlypractice #catsofinstagram #felinecardiology #cardiologyreferral #smallanimalreferral #helpingheartspowerpurrs #catsnack
Wishing all of our clients and patients a happy and peaceful Christmas 🎄
Did you know, hot weather can put extra strain on the heart and in patients with heart disease this can worsen symptoms. Monty knows keeping cool is very important and is prioritising his health in the heat (although we wouldn't recommend the Stella 😂) . . . #goldenretriever #retrieversofinstagram #seniordog #keepingcool #pooldog #dogdays #smallanimalreferral #smallanimalcardiology #helpingheartswagtails
Did you know, changes in your pets breathing can be early indicators of worsening heart disease? This is why we will often ask you about your pets breathing and why we suggest monitoring resting respiratory rate at home. In this video, staff pet Koda demonstrates how to count respiratory rate at home (with some suggestions from his mum, cardiology nurse Emma) . . . #heartdiseaseindogs #heartdiseaseincats #veterinarycardiology #cardiologyreferral #homemonitoring #petshearts #restingrespiratoryrate #pethealth #pethealthathome #veterinarynurse #howto #helpingheartswagtails #sleepydog #gettingpaidinbiscuits
Did you know that cats with severe heart disease can be at risk of clots forming inside the heart? As the left atrium (the chamber that receives blood back from the lungs) gets bigger, blood flow is altered, becoming slower. Cats are at higher risk of clots as their platelets are more reactive than other species and this slow moving blood can then begin to clump together and eventually stick to the damaged tissue, forming a clot. The 'smoke' in the video shows the slow moving blood cells starting to stick together. Once a clot forms fragments can break off into the circulation (called thromboembolism), blocking blood vessels which can cause paralysis or neurological symptoms depending on where they lodge. This is one of the reasons we highly recommend getting cats with heart disease rescanned regularly to check their progress, as there are no outward signs until a thromboembolism occurs. Luckily there is medication we can use to help prevent clot formation, which is prescribed commonly for any cats at risk. . . . #felinecardiology #felineheartdisease #smallanimalcardiology #catheartdisease #echocardiography #smallanimalreferral #cardiologyreferral #aorticthromboembolismincats #felinefriendlypractice
Did you know, the word ludic means full of fun and high spirits? Hugsey was particularly ludic when he came for his heart scan last week - what a greeting!! 🥰 . . . #flatcoatretriever #flatcoatsofinstagram #retrieversgram #happiestdog #ludic #happydog #smilingdogs #freekisses #letmein #dogsmile #waggingtails #helpingheartswagtails #veterinaryreferrals #cardiologyreferral #smallanimalvet #smallanimalcardiology
Wishing a happy and peaceful Christmas to all our patients and their people! We will be closed from this evening until Wednesday morning, but if you need help during the festive period please call the usual number for details of our out of hours service.
Did you know, free soloing is a form of extreme climbing where no ropes are used?? Drago likes to practice free soloing in his spare time, although due to restricted access to mountains he is limited to practicing on the doors (with his brother Inky cheering him on!) He definitely doesn't let his heart disease slow him down! 😻 . . #sphynx #sphynxofinstagram #hardcorekitty #catsrule #catsofinstagram #climbingcat #spidercat #freesoloing #catswithhobbies #hcm #felinecardiology #felinecardiomyopathy #cardiologyreferral #smallanimalcardiology #smallanimalreferral
Did you know, the word 'spa' originates from the Belgian town of Spa, where a natural spring was discovered in 1326 and a health resort grew around it? Frank enjoyed his mini spa break with the nurses after he came in for an appointment with Ruth recently 💕 He was diagnosed with pulmonic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the hearts outflow on the right side, and he will come back soon for a procedure to correct this. (We don't think he'll mind coming back too much!)
Did you know, while purring is used as a form of communication in cats, studies have shown that at certain frequencies purring can also reduce stress in people and help with healing and pain relief in cats?! Elphie had the happiest purrs all through her appointment this week, winning our loudest purr/happiest cat award 😻 (We almost didn't give her back!)
Did you know, today is national high five day? Ella showed Beth how it was done when she came in for her recheck 🖐️🥰
Did you know, hypoprosexia means to focus on one thing over everything else? Charlie was only focused on his lick-e-lix during his heart scan yesterday 😋🥰 We never anaesthetise patients for scans (and it's very rare that we sedate them). Instead we use gentle handling, treats, calming music and anything else that makes our patients comfortable. Our scanning table always has a padded bed with a cushion, and we don't keep our patients in while they're waiting, so they don't get stressed about being hospitalised.
Companion Care Vets, Derby Kingsway
Kingsway Retail Park
Midlands Advanced Breeding Services
Markeaton Lane
