HS Cardiology

For pet owners across England, particularly those whose beloved animals have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having a heart condition, finding specialist veterinary care is a critical next step. While general practitioners provide invaluable front-line care, complex cardiac issues often require the in-depth knowledge, advanced diagnostic equipment, and tailored treatment plans that only a veterinary cardiology specialist can offer. In Lancaster, a dedicated service, HS Cardiology, stands as a beacon of excellence in this highly specialised field, providing expert care for companion animals and equines.

HS Cardiology is a specialist veterinary cardiology service, meaning they focus exclusively on the diagnosis and management of heart and circulatory system diseases in animals. Unlike general practices, they possess state-of-the-art equipment and a team of highly qualified, board-certified cardiologists and advanced practitioners, making them a crucial referral centre for vets across the UK. Their approach is rooted in precision, professionalism, and a profound understanding of the unique challenges associated with cardiac conditions in animals.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of HS Cardiology, helping local users in the England region of the United Kingdom learn more about this vital specialist service. We will delve into their accessible base in Lancaster, the comprehensive range of cutting-edge cardiac services they offer, the distinctive features and highlights that set them apart, and ultimately, why they are so well-suited to provide essential advanced heart care for pets and horses across the region.

HS Cardiology is based at Dalton House, 9 Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1WD, UK. Dalton Square is a well-known and central location within the historic city of Lancaster, making the practice highly accessible for clients travelling from various parts of the North West of England and potentially beyond, given its specialist nature.

Being located in a prominent city centre square suggests good connectivity to major road networks, which is crucial for a referral service that sees patients from a wide geographical area. While specific parking information for Dalton House isn't readily available, city centre locations often have nearby public car parks or on-street parking options. For those utilising public transport, Lancaster's bus station and train station are typically within reasonable proximity to Dalton Square, facilitating travel for owners who may be anxious about their pet's condition. The central and identifiable location ensures that referring vets and pet owners can easily find the practice, ensuring a smooth arrival for cardiac patients who require prompt and efficient attention.

HS Cardiology specialises exclusively in cardiovascular medicine for animals, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services. As a referral service, they work in close collaboration with primary care veterinarians to provide specialist care that may not be available in general practice settings.

• Referral Consultations: Pets with suspected heart disease (e.g., heart murmurs, abnormal rhythms, coughing, difficulty breathing, fainting episodes) are referred by their primary care vet for specialist assessment.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics:
  • Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound): State-of-the-art heart scans to visualise the heart's structure and function in real-time. This is a core diagnostic tool, often performed on an outpatient basis without sedation unless X-rays are also required.
  • Electrocardiography (ECG): Measurement of the electrical activity of the heart to diagnose rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias).
  • Holter Monitoring (24-hour ECG): Ambulatory ECG recording over 24 hours to detect intermittent heart rhythm disturbances, with in-house analysis for quick results.
  • Thoracic Radiography (Chest X-rays): To assess the size and shape of the heart and lungs, and to identify signs of heart failure.
  • Blood Pressure Measurement: A routine part of cardiac work-ups to identify hypertension.
  • Blood Samples: For various laboratory tests relevant to cardiac health.
• Cardiac Screening for Breeding Animals: Specialist heart testing (e.g., Doppler/Echocardiogram, ECG) for specific breeds of dogs and cats recommended by breed councils to reduce the incidence of inherited heart diseases (e.g., Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Newfoundlands, Dobermanns, Irish Wolfhounds, Bengals, Sphynx cats, Maine Coons). Hannah, one of their cardiologists, is approved by the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society for these tests.
• Medical Therapy: Development and management of long-term medical treatment plans for congenital and acquired cardiac diseases.
• Case Advice for Veterinarians: Providing ongoing cardiovascular case advice and telephone triage services to referring veterinarians, helping manage cases before or after specialist consultations.
• Follow-up Care: Intermittent follow-up heart scans and investigations are usually managed by HS Cardiology, with ongoing discussion and advice provided to the primary care vet.
• Mobile Service: HS Cardiology offers a completely mobile service, meaning they can arrange to examine your pet at your local practice, reducing travel for owners to a referral centre.

HS Cardiology distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its expertise and commitment to exceptional veterinary cardiac care.

• RCVS and EBVS Specialist Led Team: The core team comprises highly qualified individuals like Hannah and Simon, who are RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) and EBVS (European Board of Veterinary Specialisation) Specialists in Veterinary Cardiology. This signifies the highest level of qualification and expertise in the field within the UK and Europe.
• Advanced Practitioner Support: Complementing the specialists, individuals like Charlie are RCVS Advanced Practitioners in Veterinary Cardiology, holding relevant certifications and vast experience, further strengthening the team's capabilities.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: HS Cardiology utilises "the most up to date and technologically advanced equipment, not usually available in general veterinary practice," including advanced echocardiographic systems (e.g., GE Vivid E90), Holter units with in-house analysis, and fluoroscopy (though this might be within a larger hospital setting they work with). This investment ensures precise diagnostics.
• Focus on Education and Research: Hannah, one of the cardiologists, has been involved in research into dilated cardiomyopathy in Great Danes since 2008, indicating a commitment to advancing veterinary knowledge and understanding of complex cardiac conditions.
• Referral-Based Model: Operating as a dedicated referral service means they receive and focus solely on cardiac cases, ensuring a depth of experience with a wide range of heart conditions in various species. This also ensures they complement, rather than compete with, general practices.
• Compassionate and Professional Approach: Customer reviews highlight their "patience, professionalism, and understanding," particularly in handling anxious patients like a pony, demonstrating a sensitive approach to both animals and their owners.
• Clear Communication: Their process includes a consultation and full heart scan, with owners typically picking up their pet later in the day and receiving a thorough explanation of "long term needs and any follow-up required," ensuring owners are well-informed.
• Mobile Service Convenience: The "completely mobile service" allows them to perform examinations at a pet's local practice, significantly reducing the travel burden for owners of potentially anxious or unwell animals.

For referring veterinarians or pet owners seeking specialist cardiology services, you can contact HS Cardiology using the following details:

Address: Dalton House, 9 Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1WD, UK

Phone: 01524 967100

Mobile Phone: +44 1524 967100

Email for Referrals: referrals@hscardiology.co.uk (as per their website, for direct referrals).

For pet owners in England, particularly those in the North West and surrounding regions whose animals require specialised cardiac attention, HS Cardiology in Lancaster represents an invaluable and highly recommended resource. Its central location within Lancaster, combined with its unique mobile service, offers considerable accessibility for a specialist practice. However, it is the profound depth of expertise, led by RCVS and EBVS board-certified cardiologists, coupled with a genuine commitment to compassionate and clear communication, that truly sets HS Cardiology apart. Their investment in the most advanced diagnostic equipment ensures that accurate diagnoses are made efficiently, leading to effective, tailored treatment plans for a wide range of cardiac conditions. For anyone facing the worry of a pet's heart condition, entrusting their care to HS Cardiology means benefiting from world-class expertise delivered with patience, professionalism, and understanding, ensuring the best possible outcome for their beloved animal.

HS Cardiology

Dalton House, 9 Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1WD, UK