Teamwork makes the dream work for Davies’ cardiology service

Davies Veterinary Specialist

Cardiology, Client Care, Pet Owners

17th February 2022

Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies) in Hertfordshire and Southfields Veterinary Practice in Essex have joined forces to recommence their interventional cardiology work, which will take place at both Linnaeus-owned hospitals.

Earlier this month they performed a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) procedure in a three-year-old mixed breed dog at Davies. Lara Barron Head of Cardiology at the Davies was joined by Xavier Navarro-Cubas Head of Cardiology at Southfields, to carry out the surgery. It marks the successful start of a cross-practice teamwork approach bringing two leading Cardiology Specialists together to carry out some cardiology procedures.

Esme, initially referred to Davies for a heart murmur evaluation, was diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) – a condition that is the most common congenital (from birth) heart abnormality in dogs. A ductus arteriosus is a connection between two large arteries leaving the heart (the aorta and pulmonary artery) that should close shortly after birth. In some dogs, this connection can stay open (or patent), which over time will lead to overload of the heart chambers and heart failure. Sadly, this condition usually progresses to become life threatening, and if left untreated, many dogs will not survive to their first birthday. 

“Thankfully, PDA is a treatable condition in dogs, and once closed, dogs are expected to have a normal lifespan,” explained Lara Barron. “Xavier and I worked together to treat Esme’s PDA with a minimally invasive keyhole procedure. Through a small incision on the inside of the thigh we were able to place a small plug in the PDA to stop flow through this vessel.”

Esme’s PDA closure was a success and Lara expects the dog to have a long, happy life with no complications from her heart condition in the future.

“Teamwork really has made the dream work for our interventional cardiology service,” said Lara. “Being able to take a team approach with Xavier, to share our knowledge and expertise for procedures such as this, also provides added reassurance to the owner and makes for even more efficient surgery. We are lucky to be a part of the Linnaeus community, which gives us the opportunity to work closely with ‘sister’ referral practices in this way.”

Esme’s owner Tara Davies said: “I am so pleased to set down my experience with Davies Veterinary Specialists. They were highly recommended by two other pet owners, so I already had no reservations in taking Esme to them. I was extremely impressed by the quiet professionalism and innate understanding and kindness shown, not only to Esme but imparting to me complete assurance through giving me all relevant details of procedures to be undertaken and patiently answering my many concerns. 

“I cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Lara and the Davies’ staff and I have and will continue to highly recommend their so needed expertise. Words cannot express my thankfulness that Esme, after recuperation, will have a full and active life and I am so pleased to have her home with me with this knowledge.”

The Southfields Cardiology team have also been carrying out interventions at their site in Essex.

To find out more about Davies visit – https://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/

Linnaeus Veterinary Limited trading as Davies Veterinary Specialists 01582 883950

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