What is a centesis? Centesis is a word used to describe a minor procedure used to remove fluid from the body. Common reasons for your veterinarian to perform a centesis are for therapeutic purposes, such as removing large volumes of fluid from the chest or abdominal cavities to alleviate discomfort or stress, or for diagnostic […]

What is Balloon Valvuloplasty? Balloon valvuloplasty is a procedure that is used to alleviate or reduce the degree of obstruction associated with certain cardiac conditions. Primary cardiac conditions that are managed with balloon valvuloplasty include congenital pulmonic stenosis, mitral stenosis, tricuspid stenosis, or more rare conditions (cor tritriatum or pathologic strictures). By performing this procedure, […]

What is pacemaker therapy? Pacemaker therapy is utilized in our veterinary patients that are symptomatic for a bradyarrhythmia (inappropriately slow heart rate). The most common arrhythmias that are treated with pacemaker therapy are 3rd degree atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome, or atrial standstill. How is the procedure performed? Pacemaker implantation is a surgical procedure that […]

What is PDA occlusion? Your pet has been diagnosed with a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). The patent ductus is a vessel that is present in fetal life so that blood can bypass the lungs. Once exposed to oxygen after birth, this vessel should close on its own. However, in your pet, this did not happen. […]