Canine Congenital Heart Disease - By Jennifer Williams

STILLWATER, Okla.—Nicole Ponzio, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Specialty of Cardiology, recently presented information on canine congenital heart disease at Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. The October program was one of the Pet Care Seminars sponsored by the veterinary center.

Topics of discussion included the importance of physical and puppy wellness exams as well as the types of treatments available for the diseases covered. Ponzio also explained what the veterinary center is doing to improve their facility. The hospital is in the process of purchasing a new fluoroscopy unit, which would allow OSU to offer surgery for the treatment of certain congenital defects. The new equipment is expected to be in place for patient use in early 2009.

Some of the services currently offered by Ponzio and her staff include surgical pacemaker implantation, ambulatory ECG monitoring, and diagnostic imaging for congenital heart diseases.

Pet Care Seminars are open to the public at no charge to attendees. The next Pet Care Seminar will be Nov. 4, 2008. The topic of discussion will be “Health Care of Pocket Pets” (guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils) presented by Dr. Cornelia Ketz-Riley. The seminar will be held in McElroy Hall Auditorium located at the corner of Farm Road and McFarland on the Stillwater campus.

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