Heart of Oregon Veterinary Cardiology

03/02/2026

We can't wait to see you there!

02/14/2026

Happy Heart Day! Time to love those around you both two legged and four legged. And I found these words from author Anne Lamont which are perfect for the complicated messiness of love:
“I asked a ¬ six‑ year‑ old colleague of mine what love is.
“Oh, it’s just this stuff,” he said, rolling his eyes.
I think that’s right.
Love is caring, affection, and friendliness, of course, compassion and a generous heart. It is also some kind of energy or vibration, because Mr. Einstein showed that everything ¬ is— the same stuff moving at different speeds, from glaciers to ¬ six‑ year‑ old boys.
I wish the movement of love in our lives more closely resembled the grace of a ballerina, but no, love mainly tromps and plops, falls over, burps and tip‑toes through our lives.
Love looks like us, and that can be a little daunting. Love is why we are here at all, on the couch and in the world with a heart for the common good, why we have hope, and a lifeline when we don’t.
There is sweet family love, entangled by history, need, frustration, and annoyance. There is community love, a love of music, Zorba’s reckless love of life. It can be vital or serene. There’s the ecstatic ¬ love—for the natural world, or in ¬ bed— there’s the love of justice or the transforming love of what we might call Goodness, Gus (the Great Universal Spirit), God, Grace Over Drama, or like the cavemen in Mel Brooks’ 2000 Year Old Man, Phil.
Love is often hard, ignored, or hilarious. But one thing is certain: Love is our only hope.
Love springs from new life, love springs from death. Love acts like Gandhi and our pets and Jesus and Mr. Bean and Mr. Rogers and Bette Midler. Love won’t be pinned down.
Love abounds and abides, flirts and weeps with us. It is there for the asking, which is the easy part. Our lives’ toughest work is in the receiving.
Love presents most obviously in babies and kids being cuddled, yet also as patience with annoying humans we live or work with—or are. We feel love upon seeing our favorite auntie and neighbors and first responders, we see it in radical self-love—cups of tea, warm baths—fundraising efforts for the hungry and oppressed, in unexpected acts of patience, in peace marches and non-violent resistance, in the kindness of a waitress, and in the warmth of the hand that pulls us back to our feet when the loss of love has all but destroyed us.
Love is this stuff. I am sploshing it all over you as I type.”

01/02/2026

Do you own a purebred dog that you would like to have screened for cardiac disease at a lower cost? Dr. Atkinson and her team will be at Rose City Classic dog show on Sat. January 17th between 8-4 pm and we are offering OFA auscultations and echocardiograms at a substantial cost savings. To book, please contact Mary Gaffney at text 5033483165 or Mary.Gaffney@redcross.org. Please note, these are intended for screening breeding dogs and not patients that have known heart disease.

12/18/2025

Look who is celebrating her 16th birthday AND rocking the Christmas colors. Sofie, we wish you and all of our patients a very Merry Christmas. Our office will be closed Dec. 24th and Dec. 25th while we celebrate with our loved ones.

12/12/2025

Exciting news for potentially more options for open heart/cardiac bypass surgery options in the US. https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2025/11/06/bringing-open-heart-surgery-to-illinois/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOpbIxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF5Tzlwc3puY1dsTGp6a1dMc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpJEJsv6EjWvYvvNZt_tVOFAbjErPx5nLDN-YQ-8S6WMfSdM9GUZmWmo_aoG_aem_Hxv2Fs7dRJdasDPzPMm2AA

Open-heart surgery extends the lives of pet's with heart disease. Dr. Saki Kadotani hopes to bring the procedure to Illinois.

10/31/2025

Happy Hallowe'en! We would love to see photos of you and your pets in their Hallowe'en costumes. Featuring the newest recruits to the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, DCC Kathryn and DCC Pinky! Cue the Thunderstruck music.

10/17/2025

Happy Veterinary Technician week! Please join myself and Pinky in thanking Karen, Allison, Brooke and Jamesy for their love and dedication to our patients! You are so appreciated.

09/02/2025

Gorgeous end of summer weather in Oregon, a glass of wine, and sheep dog trials! Are you looking for a fun activity next weekend? Come cheer on the dogs and enjoy the camaraderie. One of the competitors is a patient and is not letting heart disease slow him down...

Mark your calendar for a weekend of countryside charm at the Lady Hill Fall Sheepdog Classic. Slow down, connect with the community and enjoy tradition and hospitality while making memories. Let the kids run free with activities for the youngsters while you relax with a glass of Lady Hill wine.

Experience the magic of the Lady Hill Fall Sheepdog Classic:
🐶 Live sheepdog trials
🎶 Nightly music & evening bonfires
🍕 Delicious food, drinks & more
🛝 Fun activities for the kids
🍷 Lady Hill wines available all weekend

• Adults (15+): $15 per day
• Youth (5–14): $4 per day
• Kids 4 & under are FREE!

Special Offer: Make a weekend of it! Buy tickets for two days and get the third day on us. No code required.

Pack your picnic blankets and make it a weekend to remember.

Tickets: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252314111024538

08/29/2025

06/09/2025

Huge shoutout to Dawn Danner, of the MHDPC. Dawn has been instrumental in establishing and running 40 cardiac health clinics for this amazing breed! She has given so much of her time to try and detect dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman breed. We love her so much, and a sincere THANK YOU.🩷

02/17/2025

Important information about avian influenza and decreasing risk to your pets:

02/14/2025

Happy Heart Day on this wintry February 14th. May you cuddle with your loved ones (both furry and human) and not drive anywhere!