Frequently Asked Questions

A veterinary cardiologist is a specialist that has advanced training in the heart and circulatory system. To become a board certified veterinary cardiologist a veterinarian usually completes a one year internship followed by extensive specialized training in an approved residency training program (usually 3-5 years). 
Board certified veterinary cardiologists focus on diagnosing and treating disease of the heart and lungs.

Veterinary cardiology specialists will perform a complete and thorough physical examination on your animal, and based on these initial findings, additional tests will be discussed. They will also review your animal’s past history and current medications. Depending on your animal’s condition, diagnostic testing or treatments may include:

•Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound)
•Electrocardiography (ECG) – non-invasive electrical reading of the heart’s rhythm
•Blood pressure evaluation
•Holter monitor – 24 hour ECG
•Radiography (x-rays) of the chest and lungs
•Cardiac catheterization procedures
•Pre-breeding screening exams

Board certified veterinary cardiologists work closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure your animal’s optimal health. While some cardiac conditions require hospitalization, most conditions can be managed on an outpatient basis 

Because MVVC is a mobile practice, that means that Dr. Kienle visits clients at their home clinic. You will not have to travel to another site for his services. This, of course, can sometimes impact availability based on where Dr. Kienle can geographically schedule on any given day, but he is flexible and considerate in scheduling routinely with each of his partner clinics. 

Dr. Kienle primarily serves Santa Cara County in the South Bay Area. For certain special events, such as dog shows or breeder's clinics, he may be available for travel outside of his normal radius. This depends on scheduling and availability and includes an increased price point.

Cardiac health issues are relatively common in dogs and cats; about 10% of dogs and cats will develop or have a heart disease across their lifespan. It is important to include regular heart health checkups in their yearly care plan so as to catch any abnormalities early, to monitor previously diagnosed issues, or simply to reassure you that everything is working well.