Cardiology

Our office is dedicated to providing pets with compassionate care. In offering cardiology services, we can better evaluate and treat heart and lung diseases, working towards improving quality of life. Dr. Josh Gidlewski is a traveling cardiologist that the veterinarians of ADAvet have had a long standing relationship with. 

Dr.Gidlewski attended Penn State University. He graduated from The University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000, followed by a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Illinois School of veterinary Medicine. In 2005 he obtained board certification in small animal cardiology following his residency at The Animal Medical Center in NYC. He spent 3 years working at Garden State Veterinary Specialists before moving to Boston and joining NEVS 2007. He became co-owner in 2010.

 Annual pet wellness exams enable our staff to detect early indicators of heart disease that could potentially save your pet’s life – just one more reason why an annual check-up is important for your pet’s well-being.

Possible indications of heart disease: 

• Coughing that lasts longer than three days.

• Inability or refusal to sleep at night.

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or rapid breathing. 

• Sudden changes in pet behavior and an inclination to isolate themselves. 

• Sudden episodes of fainting, or unexplained collapses. 

• Swelling in the abdomen.

What do cardiology diagnostics involve?

Diagnostics could involve a variety of different procedures. Upon examining your pet, the veterinarian will decide which method is necessary under the circumstances.

Blood Pressure – Routinely checking blood pressure at pet wellness exams is critical. High blood pressure can cause heart failure.

Blood Tests – Blood tests examine hormone levels. Changes in certain hormones indicate heart failure.

Digital X-rays – X-rays allow the veterinarian to examine the heart, lungs, and bones. From an X-ray, your pet’s physician can determine enlargement of the heart or fluid build-up in the lungs. X-rays can also be used to determine placement of pacemakers.

EKGs – An EKG allows the physician to monitor heart rate and rhythm, allowing for detection of abnormalities.

Ultrasound – Ultrasounds let the physician see a 3-dimensional image of the heart and its chambers. From this image, they can observe blood flow and check for any heart murmurs.