CityVets are pleased to offer a top-quality Cardiology service in collaboration with HeartVets. This service is not only for our own clients but also a referral service for clients of other practices. Jo Harris BVSc CertVC DVC MRCVS who runs the clinics on a regular basis from our Heavitree surgery, is a highly experienced RCVS diplomate in veterinary cardiology and works in association with Dr. Mark Patteson MA VetMB PhD DVC CertVR MRCVS – RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology. Jo provides a service investigating problems such as:
- Murmurs and arrhythmias
- Collapse
- Pre-anaesthetic assessment of cardiac patients
- Pericardial and pleural effusions with pericardiocentesis and thoracocentesis as required
- Cough investigations (bronchoscopy coming soon)
- ECG and thoracic X-ray interpretation and case advice
For the more technically minded, murmur investigations usually involve 2D, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography, although blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography (ECG) and thoracic radiographs may also be required. Cough investigations will often require bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage under general anaesthetic and these investigations are also available here at CityVets. Collapse investigations usually also require full echocardiography and ECG. We offer ambulatory ECG recording (Holter monitoring) and monitors are usually fitted the same day for the patient to wear for the following 24-48 hours.
Initial consultations are typically 30 minutes to obtain a full history and thorough clinical examination. Patients are then admitted for investigation the same day, and the results discussed with the owners at discharge, along with any treatment recommendations.
Jo has been predominantly working in cardiology referrals since 2006. She obtained the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology in 2008 and then continued to work as a cardiologist at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists in Ringwood, Hampshire.
Since moving to Exeter in 2010 Jo has been part of the 
team, led by Dr. Mark Patteson based at Vale Referrals in Dursley, Gloucestershire. She now offers clinics both at Dursley and at CityVets, and is experienced in all aspects of cardiology and respiratory cases. In 2017, Jo passed further specialist exams to become a RCVS Diplomate in Veterinary Cardiology.