8 Veterinary Cardiology Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Discover top Veterinary Cardiology Books written by leading authorities like Mark Oyama and Francis W.K. Smith Jr., offering essential knowledge and skills.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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What if you could unlock the secrets of animal heart health with the guidance of some of the most respected veterinary cardiology texts? Cardiovascular disease in small animals and horses remains a critical challenge, and understanding it deeply can transform clinical outcomes. With veterinary cardiology advancing rapidly, having the right books at your fingertips is more essential than ever.

These eight Veterinary Cardiology Books, authored by professionals like Mark Oyama of the University of Pennsylvania and Francis W.K. Smith Jr. of Tufts University, offer precise, clinically relevant knowledge. From electrocardiogram interpretation to echocardiography and equine cardiac care, these texts reflect decades of experience and research, providing you with trusted frameworks to enhance diagnosis and treatment.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, and learning goals might consider creating a personalized Veterinary Cardiology book that builds on these insights, ensuring focused knowledge that fits your unique practice and objectives.

Mark A. Oyama, DVM, MSCE, DACVIM-Cardiology, serves as Professor and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania's Veterinary Hospital. His clinical expertise and academic leadership underpin this book, which offers a practical yet detailed approach to ECG interpretation tailored for small animal practice. Oyama's role at a leading veterinary institution uniquely positions him to guide practitioners through the nuances of ECG analysis, bridging the gap between complex cardiology concepts and everyday veterinary applications.
Rapid Review of ECG Interpretation in Small Animal Practice book cover

by Mark Oyama, Marc S. Kraus, Anna R Gelzer··You?

2019·156 pages·Veterinary Cardiology, ECG Interpretation, Arrhythmia Diagnosis, Small Animal Medicine, Holter Monitoring

Mark A. Oyama, a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a board-certified cardiologist, brings his extensive clinical and academic experience to this focused text on ECG interpretation in small animals. You gain a clear understanding of electrocardiography fundamentals, including heart rate calculation, interval measurement, and interpretation of atrial and ventricular abnormalities. Detailed case studies let you practice diagnosing arrhythmias and complex cardiac conditions, with new chapters on obtaining ECGs, treating common arrhythmias, and 24-hour Holter monitoring. This book suits veterinarians and trainees aiming to sharpen their ECG skills without wading through overly technical jargon or unrelated topics.

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Best for in-depth cardiac disease management
Francis W.K. Smith Jr., DVM, Diplomate ACVIM in internal medicine and cardiology, brings authoritative expertise as a clinical assistant professor at Tufts University. His extensive clinical background drives this book’s thorough coverage of cardiovascular care in dogs and cats, reflecting his commitment to equipping practitioners with up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge in veterinary cardiology.
Manual of Canine and Feline Cardiology book cover

by Francis W. K. Smith DVM DACVIM (Internal Medicine & Cardiology), Larry P. Tilley DVM DACVIM(Internal Medicine), Mark Oyama DVM DACVIM(Cardiology), Meg M. Sleeper VMD DACVIM(Cardiology)··You?

2015·472 pages·Veterinary Cardiology, Cardiac Diagnostics, Cardiovascular Diseases, Pharmacology, Surgical Procedures

Drawing from his dual board certifications in internal medicine and cardiology, Francis W.K. Smith Jr. offers a detailed guide to managing cardiovascular diseases in dogs and cats. You’ll gain insights into diagnostic tools like echocardiography and electrocardiograms, as well as practical approaches to treatment including medications, surgical procedures, and nutritional strategies. The book’s structured sections simplify complex topics such as cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure, making it accessible if you’re a veterinary professional seeking to enhance your cardiac care skills. While its depth suits clinicians needing thorough clinical detail, it may be dense for casual readers or those outside veterinary medicine.

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Best for expert care plans
This AI-created book on veterinary cardiology is tailored to your background and specific goals. By focusing on the cardiac conditions and diagnostic techniques you want to master, it provides targeted knowledge to enhance your expertise. Unlike standard textbooks, this book concentrates on what matters most to you, making your learning more efficient and relevant. The personalized content ensures a clear, focused path through complex veterinary cardiac topics based on your unique interests and skill level.
2025·50-300 pages·Veterinary Cardiology, Cardiac Anatomy, Diagnostic Imaging, Electrocardiography, Arrhythmia Interpretation

This tailored book explores the intricate field of veterinary cardiology with a focus on your expertise and professional goals. It covers essential topics such as cardiac anatomy, diagnostic imaging, arrhythmia interpretation, and treatment options for small and large animals. By tailoring content to your background, this book provides a personalized pathway through complex cardiac conditions, helping you deepen your understanding efficiently. The tailored approach ensures that you engage with material that matches your specific interests, whether focusing on echocardiography techniques, pharmacological management, or advanced electrocardiography. This personalized guide reveals nuances and clinically relevant knowledge that enhance your ability to deliver expert cardiac care in veterinary practice.

Tailored Guide
Cardiac Diagnostics
3,000+ Books Created
Best for veterinary nursing cardiology
H. Edward Durham Jr., a Senior Veterinary Technician at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, brings decades of focused experience in veterinary cardiology to this book. His commitment to advancing veterinary technicians as paraprofessionals shines through, providing readers with authoritative insights and practical knowledge directly applicable to cardiovascular patient care. This background makes the book a trusted resource for those looking to enhance their expertise in veterinary cardiology nursing.
2017·504 pages·Veterinary Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiac Procedures, Animal Care, Diagnostic Techniques

Drawing from his extensive experience as a senior veterinary technician specializing in cardiology, H. Edward Durham Jr. offers an in-depth guide tailored specifically for veterinary technicians and nurses. You’ll gain clear knowledge about cardiovascular diseases affecting a wide range of animals—from dogs and cats to horses and camelids—supported by detailed explanations of cardiac catheterization procedures and illustrated concepts. The book balances foundational understanding with advanced insights, making it a solid resource whether you’re just starting or deepening your cardiology expertise. If your role involves hands-on cardiovascular patient care, this book delivers practical clarity without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity.

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Electrocardiography of the dog and cat. Diagnosis of arrhythmias. II Edition stands out as a unique resource in veterinary cardiology by focusing exclusively on the electrocardiographic diagnosis of arrhythmias in dogs and cats. It combines the collective experience of four veterinary experts to deliver a structured approach that balances practical interpretation techniques with a thorough understanding of cardiac electrophysiology. Richly illustrated with over 300 images and detailed ECG tracings, the book is designed to enhance visual learning and provide quick-access summaries for daily clinical use. This volume serves as a vital tool for those aiming to deepen their expertise and navigate complex rhythm disorders in veterinary practice.
Electrocardiography of the dog and cat. Diagnosis of arrhythmias. II Edition book cover

by Roberto Santilli, Sidney Moïse, Romain Pariaut, Manuela Perego·You?

2018·360 pages·Veterinary Cardiology, Electrocardiography, Arrhythmias, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Diagnostic Techniques

Drawing from the combined clinical expertise of Roberto Santilli, Sidney Moïse, Romain Pariaut, and Manuela Perego, this book offers a focused dive into electrocardiographic diagnosis specifically for dogs and cats. It guides you through 14 chapters that unravel the complexities of arrhythmias, from the fundamentals of cardiac depolarization and repolarization vectors to nuanced interpretations of supraventricular and ventricular rhythm disorders. The extensive use of over 300 detailed illustrations and real electrocardiograms reinforces understanding, while practical boxes highlight key points for quick reference. Whether you're just starting in veterinary cardiology or tackling complex cases, this book equips you with the skills to confidently interpret ECGs and assess hemodynamic impacts of arrhythmias.

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Veterinary Cardiology for Small Animal Medicine stands out by focusing precisely on the needs of veterinary technicians and nurses preparing for their licensing exams. It breaks down complex cardiac concepts into accessible sections, enriched with detailed illustrations and review questions that mirror the VTNE format. This approach is ideal if you want to build a solid foundation in veterinary cardiology without getting lost in overly technical medical jargon. Whether you’re a student or a practicing technician aiming to refresh your knowledge, this guide helps bridge the gap between theory and exam readiness, making it a practical tool for advancing your career in small animal medicine.
2022·219 pages·Veterinary Cardiology, Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Nursing, Cardiac Anatomy, Heart Diseases

After extensive experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician, M. Hayden crafted this guide to meet the specific needs of veterinary technicians preparing for the VTNE exam. You’ll learn detailed cardiac anatomy, terminology, and the diagnosis and treatment of common heart diseases in dogs and cats, all supported by clear illustrations and targeted quizzes. The book’s structure, including over 100 exam-style questions, makes it particularly useful if you’re aiming to master veterinary cardiology concepts and test your knowledge effectively. This resource is tailored for veterinary technicians, nurses, and students who want straightforward, focused preparation rather than exhaustive medical texts.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on veterinary cardiology is tailored to your specific clinical skills and learning goals. By sharing your background and focus areas, the book delivers a customized path through essential cardiac diagnostic techniques. It bridges expert knowledge with your unique practice needs, helping you quickly build confidence and proficiency. The personalized approach ensures you get exactly what matters most for advancing your cardiology skills in real-world veterinary settings.
2025·50-300 pages·Veterinary Cardiology, Cardiac Anatomy, Diagnostic Imaging, Arrhythmia Interpretation, Echocardiography

This personalized AI-created book on veterinary cardiology accelerates your clinical skills with a focused, step-by-step plan designed to boost your cardiac diagnostic abilities quickly. It explores key concepts in cardiac anatomy, diagnostic imaging, and arrhythmia interpretation, tailored to your background and goals. By concentrating on your specific interests, it reveals techniques and clinical insights essential for enhancing patient outcomes in small animals and equines alike. The tailored content matches your learning pace and proficiency, providing clear, targeted knowledge that bridges expert principles with your unique clinical context. This approach ensures efficient and relevant skill development in veterinary cardiology, making complex topics accessible and actionable.

Tailored Book
Diagnostic Precision
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for practical nursing cardiac care
Charlotte Pace qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003 and worked at the Royal Veterinary College, becoming the first nurse outside the US to hold a Cardiology qualification. She has taught veterinary nurses extensively and is a clinical coach and lecturer in veterinary cardiology. Her expertise and commitment to education led her to write this practical guide, designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of veterinary nurses caring for cardiac patients.
2022·144 pages·Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Cardiology, Cardiac Pharmacology, Electrocardiography, Thoracic Radiography

Charlotte Pace's decades of experience as a veterinary nurse and educator shines through in this focused guide tailored specifically for those caring for cardiac patients in veterinary settings. You’ll gain a solid grasp of cardiac anatomy and physiology before progressing to practical skills like electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, and ultrasound interpretation. The book also delves into nursing tasks such as heart auscultation and pulse assessment, while demystifying cardiac pharmacology and first aid essentials. Whether you're a student nurse or a practicing technician, this text equips you with the confidence and knowledge to support both your patients and their owners through complex heart conditions.

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Best for advanced echocardiography
Clinical Echocardiography of the Dog and Cat stands out in veterinary cardiology by combining classical and emerging ultrasound techniques to improve diagnosis and management of heart disease in small animals. This volume guides you through acquiring detailed cardiac images and interpreting complex patterns with the help of extensive illustrations and 50 instructional videos. Written by veterinary cardiology specialists including Eric de Madron and Valérie Chetboul, it addresses the needs of both general practitioners and specialists. The book’s clinical approach ensures that advanced imaging modalities are accessible tools for everyday veterinary practice, aiding in presurgical assessments and patient care decisions.
Clinical Echocardiography of the Dog and Cat book cover

by Eric de Madron, Valérie Chetboul Valérie Chetboul est docteur vétérinaire agrégée de pathologie médicale et diplômée de l'European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine., Claudio Bussadori·You?

2015·360 pages·Veterinary Cardiology, Echocardiography, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiac Ultrasound, Canine Cardiology

Drawing from their expertise as veterinary cardiology specialists and echocardiographers, Eric de Madron, Valérie Chetboul, and Claudio Bussadori offer a focused guide on canine and feline heart ultrasound techniques. You’ll learn to acquire and interpret echocardiographic images using both established methods and advanced modalities like Tissue Doppler and 3D echocardiography. The book also walks you through diagnosing various heart diseases and preparing patients for catheter-based interventions, supported by over 400 illustrations and 50 companion videos that bring complex concepts to life. If you’re a practicing veterinarian or cardiology specialist aiming to refine diagnostic precision in small animal cardiology, this resource is tailored for you.

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Colin Schwarzwald is a highly respected veterinary professional with extensive experience in clinical cardiology. He holds a PhD and multiple diplomas in veterinary medicine, bringing authoritative expertise to this focused volume on equine heart health and disease. His background ensures that the book offers precise clinical insights tailored for veterinary specialists.
Clinical Cardiology, An Issue of Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice (Volume 35-1) (The Clinics: Veterinary Medicine, Volume 35-1) book cover

by Colin Schwarzwald Prof. Dr. med. vet PhD Dipl ACVIM Dipl. ECEIM, Katharyn J Mitchell Dipl. ACVIM & ECEIM··You?

2019·Veterinary Cardiology, Veterinary Equine Medicine, Echocardiography, Electrocardiography, Cardiac Arrhythmias

Drawing from his extensive experience in veterinary cardiology, Colin Schwarzwald, alongside Katharyn J Mitchell, delivers an in-depth exploration of equine heart health and disease. This volume navigates through essential diagnostic techniques like echocardiography and electrocardiography, while addressing complex conditions such as congenital defects, valvular disease, and myocardial disorders. You will gain practical insights into assessing cardiovascular function during exercise and training, as well as monitoring and managing cardiac conditions in horses. This book is particularly useful for equine veterinarians and specialists aiming to deepen their clinical cardiology expertise.

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Conclusion

These eight books collectively highlight three clear themes: the importance of mastering ECG and echocardiographic techniques, the value of specialized knowledge for veterinary technicians and nurses, and the need for focused expertise in both small animal and equine cardiology.

If you're a veterinary technician preparing for exams, starting with "Veterinary Cardiology for Small Animal Medicine" and "Cardiology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses" will give you practical, exam-focused knowledge. For clinicians looking to deepen diagnostic accuracy, combining Oyama's ECG review with "Clinical Echocardiography of the Dog and Cat" offers a powerful learning path. Equine veterinarians will find "Clinical Cardiology, An Issue of Veterinary Clinics of North America" an invaluable resource for their specialized needs.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Veterinary Cardiology book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and sharpen your clinical decision-making in veterinary cardiology.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Rapid Review of ECG Interpretation in Small Animal Practice" for clear, practical ECG skills. It lays a strong foundation that supports understanding other complex cardiology books.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Veterinary Cardiology?

Not at all. Titles like "Cardiology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses" and "Veterinary Cardiology for Small Animal Medicine" are designed for learners at various stages, balancing clarity with depth.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with ECG basics using Oyama's book, then explore nursing care and VTNE prep texts. Next, deepen your knowledge with echocardiography and advanced arrhythmia diagnosis before tackling specialized equine cardiology.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

While each book stands strong alone, combining them offers a broader, richer understanding. Pick based on your role—technicians might focus on nursing texts, while cardiologists benefit from advanced imaging and arrhythmia guides.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Electrocardiography of the dog and cat" leans into detailed theory of arrhythmias, whereas "Practical Cardiology for Veterinary Nurses" emphasizes hands-on patient care and nursing techniques.

Can I get tailored Veterinary Cardiology guidance without reading all these books?

Yes! These expert books provide solid foundations, and personalized content can complement them perfectly by focusing on your specific needs. Consider creating a personalized Veterinary Cardiology book to bridge expert knowledge with your unique practice.

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