Spotlight on Cardiology

The Cardiology Service team in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital aims to impove the quality and length of life for animals with heart disease through a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Staff
Board-certified cardiologists: Drs. Jessica Ward, Melissa Tropf and Kristen Verdoorn Poplawski
Residents: Drs. Elizabeth Manson & Kimberly Spartz
Technicians: Lori Moran


Dr. Kristen Verdoorn Poplawski joined the Cardiology Service in September 2024

Cases
The Cardiology Service offers outpatient cardiology appointments as well as provding in-house consultations for patients seen through other Hixson-Lied services. On a typical week, the service will see 30 patients, primarily dogs and cats. Additional care is provided in the Equine and Food Animal services in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center.

The most common case the service sees is myxomatous (degenerative) mitral valve disease. In the last year, the service has performed its first two pulmonary valve stenting for dogs with pulmonic stenosis.

Tests and services offered include echocardiography, electrocardiography, chest radiographs (X-rays), blood pressure monitoring, comprehensive laboratory evaluations, among others.

Appointments
Contact the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital at 515-294-4900. Referring veterinarians should submit a consult through the Referring Veterinarian Case Consult Request.