Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, in Solihull, has launched the pioneering initiative, which aims to assess cats and dogs under six months old where a heart murmur has been detected.
Willows, which is already home to one of the country’s busiest veterinary cardiology services, will then recommend a course of action and, if required, carry out keyhole surgery.
Chris Linney, head of cardiology at Willows, said: “This is the first specialist-led, congenital heart disease clinic in the country and will use some of the latest and most advanced equipment available in the veterinary world. As well as advanced ultrasound, we also have state-of-the-art CT available for assessment of complex cases.
“With the support of the 24/7 hospital service and other specialist disciplines here at Willows, it means we can offer excellent care to our patients, their owners and referring vets.
“All young animals with murmurs may benefit from the clinic, but those that are always recommended to undergo assessment are puppies with murmurs grade three (out of six) and over, and kittens with murmurs grade four (out of six) and over.
“By reviewing these animals at a younger age, we hope to be able to put care plans in place that can improve their long-term health.
“We will also offer a precise diagnosis, outlook and prognosis on the cause of the heart murmur and, where needed, carry out minimally-invasive keyhole surgery.
“Often, the earlier these are performed the better the outlook for the patient.”
The new clinic is part of Willows’ continuing commitment to providing the highest levels of pet care.
Its state-of-the-art diagnostic, surgical and hospital facilities are some of the best in small animal practice across Europe, and are matched by the quality, training and dedication of their veterinary and support staff teams.

It has specialist-led services in cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, soft tissue surgery, spinal surgery, diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia and analgesia.

Willows will also be delivering world-leading CPD events throughout the year and its 2020 events include a free cardiology evening seminar, ‘All About the Beat’, led by the specialist cardiology team, on June 24. Free places available to book via the Willows website.

To find out more about the congenital heart disease clinic at Willows, which is part of Linnaeus, visit www.willows.uk.net.