Veterinary Dentistry Specialists adds veterinary cardiologist to roster of dentistry and anesthesia specialists

The Veterinary Dentistry Specialists (VDS), a veterinary dentistry and oral surgery practice, location in Mt. Laurel, NJ, has added board-certified veterinary cardiologist Megan King, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology), to its team of dental and anesthesia specialists. Cardiology services are also available for pets who do not need dentistry services.

“Many patients have an underlying cardiac disease that is often not identified prior to coming to us. Now, we can diagnose them and more effectively determine their level of risk before undergoing general anesthesia,” expressed Carlos Rice, DVM, DAVDC, founder of VDS, in a company release.¹

“Having previously worked with Dr King, we knew that her energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, and skills were exactly what we needed to provide the highest level of care to our patients and the ultimate experience – and peace of mind – for our pet parents. I am proud to have her as an integral part of the VDS family of exceptional specialty veterinary care providers.”

King achieved her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a rotating medical and surgical internship, followed by a 2-year residency in cardiology at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. She then reached Diplomate status by becoming board certified in veterinary cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Prior to VDS, she was the head of cardiology at Blue Pearl (CARES) in Langhorne, PA. Additionally, King has a mobile veterinary cardiology service, TriVet Cardiology. She has a special interest in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease, congestive heart failure, pericardial effusion, and pleural space disease.¹

According to the release,¹ dogs and cats with congenital or acquired heart disease can seem healthy, or may present these symptoms: heart murmur, cough, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, collapse episodes, fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen, and exercise intolerance. VDS’ cardiology services consist of a physical exam, diagnostics (eg, echocardiography, electrocardiography, thoracic X-rays), blood pressure, blood work, and monitoring devices (eg, Holter monitor), among others.

The drugs used in sedation and anesthesia may change a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate, so veterinary anesthesiologists must ensure a patient’s heart is safeguarded for the entire procedure. VDS Mt. Laurel now has a unique combination of experts who work together with all patients. As a team, they carefully select the types and dosages of sedative and anesthetic drugs and regulate the patient’s breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate before, during, and after the procedure.¹

Reference

Veterinary Dentistry Specialists in Mt. Laurel, NJ, adds a veterinary cardiologist to team of board-certified specialists in dentistry and anesthesia. News release. Veterinary Dentistry Specialists. April 10, 2023. Accessed April 10, 2023. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230410005005/en