Our puppy heart clinic is dedicated to young dogs under 2 years old with physical examination abnormalities suggestive of heart disease. Our aim is to provide a service to investigate and determine if a dog requires further medical or surgical intervention.

What happens at a Puppy Heart Clinic appointment?

We use advanced diagnostic equipment to assess the puppy's cardiac health. A variety of congenital heart conditions may be discovered with the use of echocardiography, a heart scan which indicates heart structure and function.
If a congenital heart defect is diagnosed, we will specifically develop a tailored care plan to improve dog’s long-term health welfare.
Where appropriate, this may include recommending minimally invasive interventional cardiac procedures.

How does does a Puppy Heart Clinic consultation cost?

Puppy heart clinic appointment price: £250 (including VAT – last updated Aug 2024)

Which dog breeds are more susceptible to heart issues when they are puppies?

Congenital heart disease are conditions that an animal is born with. A variety of pure breeds and cross breed dogs have been documented to have various, isolated congenital heart conditions. The most common dog breeds that have congenital heart disease include

• Border Collies
• Boxers
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Chihuahua
• Cocker Spaniels
• English bull dogs
• French bull dogs
• German Shepherds
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Maltese
• Newfoundlands
• Rottweilers

Whilst some dog breeds may not be commonly represented in the canine population to have congenital heart disease, we do see congenital heart disease occasionally in breeds we do not expect to see it.
Overall, brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds are 4.06 times more likely to have a cardiac condition than non-brachycephalic breeds (see RVC research published in Nature) 

What are the most common congenital heart conditions found in puppies?

The most common congenital heart defects in dogs are pulmonic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus and subaortic stenosis. There are a variety of other different congenital heart conditions that can be diagnosed and treatment may be unique to each condition. Upon evaluation of your pet, the team may advise further diagnostics such as a CT scan to further evaluate and characterize your pets heart disease better. 

FAQs for Puppy Heart Clinic

Why has a puppy heart investigation been recommended by my vet?

During an examination, a veterinarian will listen to your dog’s heart. Occasionally, an abnormal heart sound may be heard. This may include a heart murmur or an arrhythmia. A heart murmur describes turbulent blood flow within the heart, and this may be caused by underlying cardiac disease or it may be physiological. An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Additionally, your veterinarian may advise a heart investigation if your puppy is showing clinical symptoms of heart disease. This may include coughing, lethargy, exercise intolerance and/or increased breathing rates at home.

What does my puppy heart investigation include?

This will include an examination with a clinician in the cardiology service and a complete echocardiogram (heart scan). If further diagnostics are advised, these will be discussed with you prior to proceeding.

How long does the puppy heart clinic appointment take?

Appointments will last approximately 1-2 hours. An appointment will begin with a history being taken, followed by a physical examination with the clinician. An echocardiogram will be performed, and this takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Following this, a discussion regarding the best treatment plan will be made. This will be discussed with you before you head home with your puppy. A full discharge report will be emailed to you by the end of the week and to your primary veterinarian which will summarise the appointment and findings.

Who conducts the puppy heart investigation?

There is an array of wonderful clinicians who work in the cardiology service. Please see the ‘Meet the team’ page to see whom you may be meeting for your appointment. As the QMHA is a teaching hospital, you will meet with a cardiology resident and a veterinary student who will take of your puppy. All appointments and treatment plans are discussed with a board-certified cardiologist. If required, the team will discuss complex patients together, as well as with the cardiothoracic surgery service to make sure your puppy is receiving the most optimal care.

When do the RVC Puppy Heart Clinics run?

The RVC puppy heart clinic specifically runs on Wednesdays every week. A limited number of appointments are available per week.

Is my puppy heart clinic appointment cost covered by my insurance?

The appointment may be covered by the insurance company, depending on the policy that you have. Please check with your insurance first to make sure they will cover a cardiac condition prior to attending the appointment.

Where does the RVC puppy heart clinic happen?

The RVC puppy heart clinic is an outpatient clinic which is located at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, England.