The Mt. Laurel, NJ, office of Veterinary Dentistry Specialists (VDS), a veterinary dentistry and oral surgery practice, has added board-certified veterinary cardiologist Megan King, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology), to its roster of dental and anesthesia specialists. Adding comprehensive outpatient veterinary cardiology services makes VDS the first and only veterinary dentistry and oral surgery practice in the nation with anesthesiology and cardiology specialists available to care for each patient. Cardiology services are also available for pet patients 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,” said Carlos Rice, DVM, DAVDC, founder of VDS. “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.”

Dr. King earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a rotating medical and surgical internship, followed by a two-year residency in cardiology at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. She then earned Diplomate status by becoming board certified in veterinary cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Before joining VDS, she was the head of cardiology at Blue Pearl (CARES) in Langhorne, PA. Dr. King also 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.

Dogs and cats with congenital or acquired heart disease can appear healthy, or may have the following warning signs: heart murmur, cough, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, collapse episodes, fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen, and exercise intolerance.

VDS’ comprehensive cardiology services include a physical exam, diagnostics (echocardiography, electrocardiography, thoracic X-rays), blood pressure, blood work, and monitoring devices (Holter monitor), among others.

Because the drugs used in sedation and anesthesia can change a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate, veterinary anesthesiologists need to be sure that a patient’s heart is safeguarded for the duration of the procedure. VDS Mt. Laurel now has a unique combination of experts who work collaboratively with all patients. As a team, they carefully select the types and dosages of sedative and anesthetic drugs and monitor the patient’s breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate before, during, and after the procedure.

About VDS

In partnership with primary care veterinarians and other veterinary specialists across the region, VDS Mt. Laurel accepts dentistry/oral surgery patients Tuesday-Friday 7:30 am – 7:00 pm, and cardiology patients Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Pet parents may call 856-242-9253 for an appointment. Referrals by a primary care veterinarian are welcome, but not required.

VDS is the only practice network in the nation where each patient is cared for by board-certified veterinary specialists in dentistry, anesthesiology, and cardiology (Mt. Laurel, NJ, only) to ensure the best care and outcome. In addition to New Jersey, practices are located in Chadds Ford, PA, and Katy, TX. For additional information, visit vdsvets.com.

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