Cardiology

 Cardiology Services at JCUVet

At JCUVet, we understand the vital role heart health plays in your pet’s overall well-being. Led by Dr. James Foster, BSc BVMS PhD FANZCVS (Feline Medicine Specialist), our cardiology service provides expert diagnosis and treatment for both congenital and acquired heart conditions in pets. With advanced diagnostic tools and a compassionate, tailored approach to care, we are committed to helping pets with heart disease live longer, healthier lives.

Comprehensive Cardiac Care

Our medicine team offers a wide range of specialized cardiology services, including:

✔ Electrocardiography (ECG) – Measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias and other abnormalities.
✔ Blood Pressure Checks – Essential for diagnosing hypertension, which can be linked to heart, kidney, and endocrine diseases.
✔ Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound) – A non-invasive imaging technique to assess heart function, valve health, and detect structural abnormalities.
✔ Pacemaker Implantation – For pets experiencing life-threatening arrhythmias or heart block, a pacemaker can restore a normal heart rhythm.
✔ Holter Monitoring – A 24-hour heart monitor that records continuous ECG readings to assess irregular heartbeats and monitor response to treatment.

Our cardiology service integrates advanced diagnostics, medical management, and interventional procedures to provide the most comprehensive care possible.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every pet is unique, and so is their heart condition. Our specialists will develop a tailored treatment plan, combining medical therapies (such as medications to manage heart disease and prevent complications) with interventional procedures when necessary. Our goal is to enhance your pet’s quality of life while providing the most up-to-date and effective treatments available.

Referring a Case

The Cardiology Service at JCUVet operates via referral from your family veterinarian. If you have concerns about your pet’s heart health, please speak with your veterinarian, who can assess your pet and refer them to our team for specialized cardiac care.

For veterinary professionals looking to refer a case, please contact us for consultation and further details on our referral process. We are here to support you in providing the best possible care for your patients.

Visiting services

Dr Geoff Nicholson is a visiting specialist in small animal cardiology and is available for referral appointments during his visits to JCU Vet.

Cardiology referral services include:

  • Cardiac consultation / assessment
  • Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound)
  • Electrocardiography (ECG)
  • Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG)
  • Preanaesthetic evaluations
  • Heart testing certificates for breeding animals
  • Diagnostic and treatment advice inclusive of radiograph and ECG interpretation, advice on medical management, and overall case review.

Dr Nicholson operates on a referral basis only.  We work closely with your family veterinarian who will refer your pet to our cardiology service if required.

Re-check appointments can be booked directly through JCU Vet on 1300 828 838.