Services

Pet Cardiology in Suffolk, VA

Advanced heart care for your pet, delivered with expertise, compassion, and precision by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist.

Specialized Veterinary Cardiology for Pets in Suffolk, VA

When your pet has a heart condition, expert care can make all the difference. At The COVE, our pet cardiology department is led by Dr. Merrilee T. Small, DVM, DACVIM, one of fewer than 300 board-certified veterinary cardiologists in the country. With extensive experience, advanced diagnostics, and a heartfelt commitment to her patients, Dr. Small provides the highest level of cardiac care for dogs and cats in Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and beyond.

Whether your pet is showing signs of heart disease or has been referred by your primary care veterinarian, we’re here to offer clarity, comfort, and clinical excellence at every stage of care.

Comprehensive Cardiology Services for Dogs and Cats

The COVE offers a full range of pet cardiology services using the latest diagnostic technology and evidence-based treatment protocols. Our goal is to identify heart conditions early and manage them effectively, so your pet can enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Our Pet Cardiology Services Include

Acute and Chronic Medical Management

Individualized treatment plans for managing congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiac conditions.

Outpatient and Inpatient Cardiology Care

Most pets are treated on an outpatient basis, but we also offer inpatient care through our Emergency and Critical Care service for those requiring intensive monitoring.

Diagnostic Electrocardiography

A non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This multi-lead setup can detect arrhythmias, subtle electrical abnormalities, and early signs of heart disease that a single lead or stethoscope might miss.

Non-Invasive and Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring

Accurate blood pressure assessments are essential for diagnosing hypertension and its impact on cardiac function.

Pacemaker Interrogation and Monitoring

Regular evaluation of implanted pacemakers to ensure proper function and make necessary adjustments.

Digital Thoracic Radiography

High-definition chest X-rays are used to visualize heart size and shape and to identify signs of fluid buildup in the lungs.

Echocardiography with Color Flow Doppler

Non-invasive ultrasound imaging is used to assess the heart’s structure and blood flow, and it is ideal for detecting valve disorders and congenital defects.

OFA Auscultations & Advanced Cardiac Database Evaluations

Certified heart screenings for breeders or pets predisposed to inherited heart disease.

Holter and Event Monitoring

Ambulatory heart monitoring systems that record your pet’s heart rhythm over 24+ hours to detect arrhythmias.

Every service is delivered with a focus on patient comfort, owner education, and collaborative care with your primary veterinarian.

How Cardiac Care Supports Your Pet’s Well-Being

Heart disease affects thousands of pets each year — and early detection is critical. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, cardiac conditions can progress quickly, leading to heart failure, lung complications, or sudden collapse. But with the right care, many pets with heart disease can live full and happy lives.

At The COVE, we believe in a proactive approach to pet cardiology, combining advanced diagnostics with compassionate care. From subtle murmurs to complex congenital abnormalities, our cardiology team works to deliver answers and effective solutions.

Meet Our Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist

Dr. Merrilee T. Small, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), brings unmatched experience and compassion to every case she treats. Board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Dr. Small specializes in diseases of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. Her expertise, paired with The COVE’s state-of-the-art facilities, gives pet owners in Suffolk and beyond access to specialty care often only available at university hospitals.

Pet owners throughout the region trust Dr. Small for her depth of knowledge, patient-centered approach, and dedication to delivering the best possible outcomes.

Does Your Pet Need Cardiac Evaluation?

If your veterinarian has detected a heart murmur or other signs of heart disease, or if your pet is experiencing symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or fainting, a cardiology consultation may be recommended.

Our team is happy to work with your regular vet to provide diagnostic clarity, treatment recommendations, and ongoing care. Early intervention can make all the difference in managing heart disease.