Veterinary Heart Care

For pet owners throughout Virginia, understanding and addressing the complex health needs of their beloved animal companions is a top priority. When it comes to specialized medical conditions, particularly those affecting the heart, having access to expert care can significantly impact a pet's quality of life and longevity. In Virginia, finding a veterinary practice dedicated to advanced cardiology ensures that pets with heart concerns receive the most precise diagnosis and effective treatment available.

In the bustling city of Virginia Beach, a highly specialized resource for pets with cardiac issues is Veterinary Heart Care (VHC). Unlike general veterinary practices that handle a wide range of ailments, VHC focuses exclusively on the diagnosis and management of heart disease in animals. This specialization means that pet owners in Virginia have a dedicated option for advanced cardiac evaluations, working in close collaboration with their primary veterinarians.

Heart disease in pets can manifest in various ways, from subtle changes in energy levels to more overt symptoms like coughing or fainting. Early and accurate diagnosis by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Veterinary Heart Care, with its emphasis on detailed cardiac assessment, offers that critical layer of expertise to the Virginia pet community.

This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Veterinary Heart Care in Virginia Beach. We will explore its unique role in pet healthcare, its convenient location and accessibility, the specialized services it offers, and what makes it a highly suitable choice for local pet owners seeking expert cardiac attention for their cherished companions.

Veterinary Heart Care is located at 364 S Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA. This address places the practice within a prominent area of Virginia Beach, a major city in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. S Independence Boulevard is a significant commercial artery, known for its accessibility and connectivity to various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

The fact that Veterinary Heart Care is often co-located or operates within the same premises as other emergency and referral practices, such as BluePearl Pet Hospital at the identical address, further enhances its accessibility for specialized referrals. This co-location streamlines the process for primary veterinarians to refer complex cases and for pet owners to transition their pets to a higher level of specialized care without extensive travel.

For pet owners throughout Virginia Beach and neighboring cities like Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, the location on a major boulevard ensures ease of access, which is especially important when dealing with pets that may be experiencing cardiac distress or require specialized diagnostic procedures. Ample parking and clear navigation typical of such commercial areas contribute to a less stressful visit for concerned pet parents.

Furthermore, Veterinary Heart Care offers both traditional referral appointments at this Virginia Beach location and "mobile consultations" at local veterinary practices across the Hampton Roads area. This dual approach significantly expands their accessibility, allowing primary vets to bring in Dr. Maisenbacher's expertise directly to their clinic, fostering seamless collaboration and convenience for the pet and their regular veterinarian. This flexibility makes specialized cardiac care more attainable for a broader segment of the Virginia pet population.

Veterinary Heart Care (VHC) specializes exclusively in veterinary cardiology, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in pets. Their services are designed to work in conjunction with a pet's primary veterinarian, providing advanced cardiac expertise. Key services offered include:

• Comprehensive Cardiac Examinations: This involves a thorough physical exam with a specific focus on cardiovascular health, listening for heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and assessing overall cardiac function.

• Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound): This is a cornerstone diagnostic tool at VHC. It's a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart that allows for detailed visualization of the heart's structure, muscle function, valve integrity, and blood flow. This "gold standard" diagnostic test helps to accurately diagnose various heart conditions.

• Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect and characterize arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which are common in pets with heart disease.

• Blood Pressure Measurement: Essential for comprehensive cardiac assessment, as high or low blood pressure can be indicative of underlying heart conditions or impact heart health.

• Radiography (X-rays) of the Chest and Lungs: Used to evaluate the size and shape of the heart, as well as to check for fluid buildup in or around the lungs (a sign of congestive heart failure).

• Review of Medical History and Collaboration with Primary Veterinarian: Dr. Maisenbacher thoroughly reviews a pet's medical records and actively collaborates with the referring primary care veterinarian to ensure a cohesive and continuous treatment plan. This team-based approach optimizes patient care.

• Development of Treatment Plans: Based on diagnostic findings, Dr. Maisenbacher discusses results directly with pet owners and formulates tailored treatment plans, often involving medication management to improve quality of life and slow disease progression.

• Mobile Consultations: Dr. Maisenbacher offers the unique service of mobile consultations, where he visits local veterinary practices across Hampton Roads to perform exams and diagnostics. The findings are then reviewed with the primary veterinarian, who manages the treatment plan, making specialized care more accessible.

• Follow-up and Monitoring: Veterinary Heart Care provides ongoing monitoring and follow-up for pets with chronic heart conditions, adjusting treatment as needed to maintain optimal cardiac health.

Veterinary Heart Care stands out due to several distinguishing features and highlights, particularly emphasized by the positive feedback from satisfied clients:

• Board-Certified Cardiology Expertise: The practice is led by Dr. Herbert Maisenbacher, a veterinarian who is board-certified in veterinary cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM). This signifies an advanced level of specialized training and expertise, ensuring pets receive care from a leading authority in the field of animal heart health. This specialized knowledge is a critical asset for complex cardiac cases.

• Exceptional Communication and Patient Education: Clients consistently praise Dr. Maisenbacher's ability to "explain the results thoroughly and answered any questions." He is noted for sitting with owners for extended periods, providing resources and advice as if it were his own pet. This dedication to clear, unhurried communication is a major highlight, empowering pet owners with understanding and peace of mind.

• Accessible and Responsive Service: Reviews highlight the practice's ability to get pets in "quickly" for full heart exams, especially when concerns arise from emergency situations. The team is described as "very accessible and responsive," which is crucial when dealing with time-sensitive cardiac issues.

• Seamless Collaboration with Primary Vets: VHC's model is built on seamless communication and collaboration with a pet's regular veterinarian. This ensures a holistic approach to care, where the cardiac specialist works in concert with the general practitioner, providing comprehensive and coordinated treatment plans.

• Compassionate and Empathetic Approach: The care provided is described as "amazing" and "great," reflecting a deeply compassionate and empathetic environment. Clients express immense gratitude for the care given to their "beagle girl sisters," indicating a supportive and understanding atmosphere during potentially stressful health challenges.

• Dedicated to Efficiency and Comfort: As a smaller, specialized practice, VHC is geared towards "efficiency, comfort, empathy and compassion for both you and your pet." This focus ensures a more personalized and less intimidating experience compared to larger, more generalized facilities.

• High Level of Knowledge: Beyond the board certification, the reviews consistently underscore the depth of knowledge possessed by Dr. Maisenbacher and the VHS team, instilling confidence in their diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

For pet owners in Virginia seeking specialized cardiac care for their beloved companions, Veterinary Heart Care provides clear contact avenues:

Address: 364 S Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA

Phone: (757) 605-1610

Mobile Phone: +1 757-605-1610

These phone numbers serve as the primary means to schedule appointments, inquire about services, or discuss a referral from your primary veterinarian. Given the specialized nature of their services, it is often beneficial to have a referral from your general practice vet before contacting VHC, though they are noted for quick response times.

For pet owners across Virginia, and particularly those in the Virginia Beach and broader Hampton Roads area, Veterinary Heart Care offers an indispensable and highly suitable resource for specialized cardiac veterinary services. Its unique focus, expert team, and client-centered approach make it an exceptional choice for pets with heart conditions.

Firstly, the presence of a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Herbert Maisenbacher, is the paramount reason for its suitability. Heart disease in pets requires highly specialized knowledge and advanced diagnostic tools, which a general practitioner may not possess. For Virginians whose pets have heart murmurs, unexplained coughing, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac issues, having direct access to an expert with extensive training in this specific field ensures the most accurate diagnosis and cutting-edge treatment plans. This level of expertise provides immense confidence and comfort to worried pet parents.

Secondly, Veterinary Heart Care's commitment to thorough and compassionate communication stands out significantly. As highlighted by reviews, Dr. Maisenbacher takes the time to explain complex medical information clearly, answer all questions, and provide thoughtful advice. This patient-first approach fosters a strong partnership between the specialist, the pet owner, and the primary veterinarian, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned on the best course of action. This empathetic dialogue is crucial during stressful health challenges.

Furthermore, the practice's accessibility and collaborative model, including its location on S Independence Blvd and offering mobile consultations, make specialized cardiac care highly convenient for local residents. The ability to get in quickly for urgent concerns and the seamless communication with referring vets streamlines the care process, reducing logistical burdens and ensuring continuous, coordinated medical attention for your pet.

In conclusion, for any Virginia pet owner concerned about their animal's heart health, Veterinary Heart Care in Virginia Beach is not just a clinic; it is a dedicated center of excellence in veterinary cardiology. Its expert leadership, compassionate care, commitment to client education, and accessible service model make it the ideal choice for ensuring your beloved companion receives the highest standard of heart care, helping them live a longer, healthier, and happier life by your side.

Veterinary Heart Care

364 S Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA