CVCA Cardiac Care For Pets

In AUGUST 2024-JANUARY 2025, My dog, Lola, needed to see a cardiologist. Dr Peckens and Dr. Reuters were very patient and very good at explaining to me Lola's condition and how the heart works. What disappointed me is that when I e-mailed CVCA, it seemed like the Resident Dr. Alex Panattoni was always the one responding to my e-mails. I brought to his attention that Lola is having difficult breathing from the Pimobendan, and my research indicated that Pimobendan can cause difficult breathing. He insisted that it wasn't the med and could be something else. After Abdominal Ultrasound, Lola has tumors on both adrenal glands, enlarged liver and Cushing's Disease. Dr. Panattoni commented that it was the cushing's disease that was causing Lola to pant so much, and he continued to disregard my observation that Lola was panting a lot when she was on Pimbendan. One last try... I put Lola back on Pimobendan on a much lower dosage to start - 1/2 tablets, and the plan was to slowly increase to 2 tablets per day as prescribed. After the first 1/2 tablet, Lola woke me up numerous times from breathing heavily. I tried again 2 days later in the morning so that I can observe her, and again, panting constantly. I informed CVCA that I am taking Lola off the Pimobendan. Since then, Lola's panting was improved, and now, with Trilostane, the Cushing's Disease medication, Lola completely stopped panting. I am very upsetting that just because I don't have a medical degree, it doesn't mean that my observation should be discredited. 20240910 I took my dog, Lola, to see Dr. Peckens, cardiologist, because my vet at Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Dr. Clendenin recommended him to get a baseline of Lola's heart murmur. Dr. Peckens was great. He was very patient, clearly explained everything, and answered all my questions. I didn't expect to be allowed in the room while Lola was getting her Echocardiogram, and I was surprised and happy that I could be there with Lola. I feel it reduced the stress level for Lola, and I also liked being educated verbally and visually on Lola's condition during the procedure. Dr. Peckens explained things so easily for me to understand. He used a drawing of the heart to explain how the blood flows through the heart and the issue Lola has. I also liked that the subscription will be sent to the pharmacy with the option to pick up or deliver. Dr. Peckens is also cost sensitive and recommended a less expensive generic brand. I really appreciate that. The CVCA staff was amazing! They are so welcoming, friendly, helpful, and attentive. I am really happy with Dr. Peckens, and I trust that he will take good care of Lola. 🥰 When I got home, I expected to see an email with a copy of the receipt from my visit. I didn't expect to get documentation on the test results and visit. I'm impressed!!

Super friendly and amazing staff! Doctor went over everything in such great detail. Absolutely nothing bad to say! 10/10 recommend!

I am grateful to have quality care for my dog who has a heart murmur caused by degenerative valve disease. CVCA doctors are top notch professionals who are also compassionate and caring, clearly showing love and gentleness to my papillon, keeping his anxiety at bay during exams, sonograms, and EKGs. They take their time with him and with us humans, too. We wouldn't take him anywhere else!

While it’s never fun to visit the pet, and my kitty certainly agrees, the team here makes it a whole lot better. They are very gentle and compassionate with my cat. Everyone is very friendly. On top of that, they do a great job explaining everything to me as the owner, so I feel secure and confident that I understand. I highly recommend.

The practitioners at Vienna CVCA were so very compassionate when we brought our old man cat, Henry, in for diagnostic tests. They treated him kindly & gently in his fragile condition. They explained what was going on & set us on a path to make the rest of his time more comfortable & serene.