Cardiology and Interventional Medicine

Our Services

The Cardiology and Interventional Medicine Service at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center offers state-of-the-art diagnostic evaluation and therapy of animals with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, or those requiring minimally-invasive treatment options.

Cardiology & Respiratory Medicine - Service Highlights

Heart disease is a common problem in all species. Our specialists are board-certified in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and have extensive training in the diagnosis and care of heart problems in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, birds and more. We also treat dogs and cats with respiratory disorders, whose signs are often similar to animals suffering from cardiovascular disease. Your pet will be well cared for by our medical teams, who evaluate animals based upon a thorough physical examination and a discussion of their medical history, followed by additional tests when needed. These may include:

  • Cardiac ultrasounds (Echocardiography) – examines structure and behavior of the heart
  • Electrocardiograms (EKG, ECG) – measures motion of the heart such as its rate and rhythm
  • Radiographs – X-rays
  • Fluoroscopy – real time, motion X-rays
  • Bronchoscopy – video endoscopy of the airways
  • CT (Computed Tomography) – 3D imaging
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – evaluates internal systems

Many heart problems are manageable with medication for months to years, providing a comfortable life for your pet and giving him or her more time with your family.

Interventional Medicine - Service Highlights

Interventional medicine is a newer specialty in veterinary medicine that allows minimally-invasive surgical treatments to patients, thereby reducing pain and shortening recovery time. Therapies are delivered through small incisions, and are guided by advanced imaging techniques. While originally developed to treat heart disease, rapid advancement of these methods has allowed for their application to diseases of all body systems. Some common procedures include:

  • Implanting pacemakers in animals that exhibit inappropriately slow heart rates
  • Closing abnormal vessels
  • Stent open diseased airways or urinary tracts
  • Inserting a balloon device to expand narrow blood vessels
  • Delivering chemotherapy directly to tumors

We frequently consult with top human physicians to apply the newest treatment options available in human medicine to the care of animals. If you feel your pet may benefit from interventional medicine, a consultation can be scheduled with our cardiology service by calling 614-292-3551.

Clinical Trials

The Cardiology and Interventional Medicine Service is often recruiting patients for a number of studies for which your pet may be eligible. For a listing of current trials please click here.

Appointments & Office Hours

Office hours: 8am – 5pm Monday - Friday
Patient visits are by appointment only or emergencies by referral through your veterinarian (our referral coordinator is Stephanie Yochem).
Cardiology patients are seen Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings as well as Wednesday afternoons.
For an appointment: (614) 292-3551
After hours/weekend emergencies: (614)-292-3551

Common Conditions & Procedures

  • Heart and respiratory disorders – including heart murmurs, heart failure, heartworms, heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), collapse or fainting spells, coughing,respiratory distress, high blood pressure, etc.
  • Interventional procedures – including cardiac pacing, balloon valvuloplasty, transcatheter PDA closure, tracheal stenting, urethral stenting for cancerous obstructions, ureteral stenting from both malignant (cancer) and benign (stones, stricture) causes, intrahepatic portosystemic shunt closure, nasopharyngeal stenting, arterial embolization or chemoembolization for bleeding or to slow tumor growth, arterial coiling of guttural pouch mycosis, foreign body retrieval from the GI tract, respiratory tract, or vasculature, etc

Clinicians

  • Jaylyn Rhinehart, DVM, MS, DACVIM (cardiology), Associate Professor- Clinical
  • Karsten Schober, DVM, Dr med vet, PhD, DECVIM-CA (cardiology), Professor, Section Head

Residents

Cardiology Technicians

  • Kathleen Bailey, RVT, Supervisor
  • Sommer Mitchell, RVT

Payment

Payment is expected at the time of your visit. Please read our payment policy for complete information.