Davies celebrates mending broken hearts on Valentine’s Day

The cardiology team at Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies) is celebrating Valentine’s Day this year by recalling some of the heart-warming cardiology cases they have treated recently.

“The collaborative nature of Davies, together with the dedication of our veterinary and nursing team have helped us to transform the lives of many patients needing specialist cardiology treatment,” said Davies’ Head of Cardiology Lara Barron.

“By physically mending our patients’ broken hearts, we have also been able to give piece of mind to their owners by successfully treating their four-legged loved ones.”

Great Dane Hugo was referred to Davies for an episode of fainting.  A thorough cardiac examination was performed including an ambulatory ECG recording (Holter monitor), which recorded the electrical activity of the heart continuously while Hugo was performing his normal daily activities at home.

Hugo was diagnosed with an abnormal rhythm called ventricular tachycardia, which can cause fainting or even become life threatening. In Hugo’s case, this rhythm was the result of dilated cardiomyopathy, the most common heart disease in large dogs. Hugo was prescribed medication to control his rhythm, prevent further episodes of fainting, and support his heart function. Hugo was a very nervous boy at his initial visit but with gentle handling by the team at Davies he has become more tolerant of his repeated Holter fittings.

Hugo’s owner Tina Gale from Steppingley in Bedfordshire said: “Hugo and I were on a walk when he suddenly collapsed. Being only four and, I thought, perfectly healthy, I was so shocked!  He was referred to Davies by my vet as they suspected a heart condition.

“Hugo is terrified of everything not just vets, which makes him anxious and unpredictable, and with his size makes things difficult for all concerned.  But everyone at Davies was so kind patient and helped us so much. I knew staying overnight would be such a trauma to Hugo, so they managed to get all tests done in time for me to take him home the same day.

“His cardiologist was brilliant, researching different medications that would help with this condition and giving me the choice of which I would prefer. Hugo is so beautiful and a massive (in more ways than one) part of our family. He has the biggest heart filled with love for us and I am so, so grateful to the cardiology team at Davies for helping to mend it.”

Dave the cat was treated by the cardiology team at Davies as an emergency when he was struggling to breathe. He was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common heart disease seen in cats, which had progressed to heart failure. Monika, a member of the cardiology team, removed the fluid within Dave’s chest and treated the fluid in his lungs. He was discharged on oral medications and recent rechecks with Lara have shown that his heart failure is currently well controlled. Although HCM is a progressive disease and Dave will need continued care from the team, he has been able to regain his excellent quality of life at home.

Dave’s owner Lorenzo Capacchione from Hitchin said: “Ever since Dave was a kitten he has been a strong-minded, independent boy who loved to be the boss in the house. When he became ill he lost all that spark and was a shadow of himself. Thanks to the team at Davies, he is back to his old self, ruling over his pet siblings and charming all us humans. The whole family are very grateful for all Davies have done.”

Poppy, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever was brought to Davies to investigate an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. At her visit, Poppy had a complete work up to determine the state of her heart, including echocardiogram (heart scan) and blood tests. In Poppy’s case, the team also performed a Holter monitor (a 24-hour mobile heart rhythm monitor). Poppy’s abnormal rhythms were identified and she was started on medication; her energy level has improved and she is back to her old self at home.

Poppy’s owner Carole Cassidy from Welwyn Garden City said: “Poppy is the love of my life. It means the world to me to have her full of life again.”

“As a team we have really enjoyed looking back at some of our recent cases,” said Lara. “As a vet the greatest reward is to be able to restore a pet to good health and reunite them with their owner. And no better time for our cardiology team to remember this than on Valentine’s Day.”

To find out more about the services at Davies visit https://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/