Shinzō VetCardio

Shinzō VetCardio As a referral center and educational hub for cardiovascular diseases in pet animals in Malaysia

We have put up this notice to ensure that we can prioritize pets in genuine need of our services.
11/07/2025

We have put up this notice to ensure that we can prioritize pets in genuine need of our services.

05/07/2025

Elvis, a handsome Doberman, returned for his 6-month follow-up. He has not been receiving pimobendan since December 2023.

Despite the cessation of medication, there is currently no evidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The left ventricular size and systolic function remain within normal limits.

A right bundle branch block (RBBB), which was already noted at the initial visit, persists. This conduction abnormality is distinct from pathologic ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), which are arrhythmias commonly associated with DCM but were not observed in this case.

After the Meeting of Japanese Society of Veterinary Cardiology, I spent a few hours with the vets in Ibaraki, Japan, per...
30/06/2025

After the Meeting of Japanese Society of Veterinary Cardiology, I spent a few hours with the vets in Ibaraki, Japan, performing and sharing some insights about echocardiography, as well as discussing some cases with them.

This is my another way to build a bridge between Japan and Malaysia, as a former MEXT scholar.

My research article is indexed in PubMed.
30/06/2025

My research article is indexed in PubMed.

I delivered an oral presentation in Japanese at the Meeting of the Japanese Society of Veterinary Cardiology held on Jun...
28/06/2025

I delivered an oral presentation in Japanese at the Meeting of the Japanese Society of Veterinary Cardiology held on June 28–29 in Tokyo. My presentation was titled “Transjugular Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Two Poodle Dogs Using Amplatzer Vascular Plug II.”

I was pleased and a bit surprised to receive many questions from the floor during the Q&A session, and several participants even approached me for further discussion during the break. It appears that the transjugular approach for PDA occlusion in dogs is not yet commonly performed among interventional cardiologists in Japan.

This is what I like about attending international cardiology conferences, for interaction and idea exchange, because people in different localities may be in favour of certain techniques. I also learned from some interesting case sharing and trials presented by other participants.

Some may wonder, why do I travel from Malaysia to Japan so often to attend and present cases? As a former MEXT scholar—a recipient of the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship, which fully funded my PhD program in Japan, this is how I continue to build and maintain the bridge between Japan and Malaysia. That’s also the purpose of the MEXT scholarship.

It’s not compulsory, but I feel the obligation.

26/06/2025

Waffle is a Golden Retriever–Cocker Spaniel–Dachshund mixed-breed dog.

At 3 months of age, he developed heart failure. His heart was severely dilated with thin walls consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype.

We ruled out congenital heart disease but the underlying cause was unclear. However, we knew that he was fed with a diet containing chickpeas, lentils, and peas. So, we initiated a grain-based diet with cardiac supplementation, and started treatment with a diuretic, pimobendan, and spironolactone to support his heart function.

On follow-up evaluations, as his condition improved, we gradually discontinued the diuretics. Today, he is an 18-month-old happy adult. We further reduced the pimobendan dose by half.

Meet Athena, the tiniest dog we've ever treated! She had a congenital heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (P...
22/06/2025

Meet Athena, the tiniest dog we've ever treated!

She had a congenital heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which was successfully corrected through a minimally invasive procedure.

It was a challenging procedure due to her very small body size and the relatively small PDA. A device known as the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 (AVP-4) was carefully implanted to occlude the PDA.

She was discharged the day after surgery, and here she is now, recovering comfortably at home.

To raise awareness among dog owners, Malaysia’s leading Mandarin newspaper, Sin Chew Daily, recently featured our breakt...
19/06/2025

To raise awareness among dog owners, Malaysia’s leading Mandarin newspaper, Sin Chew Daily, recently featured our breakthrough V-Clamp surgery for dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease, the most common acquired heart condition in dogs, as well as interventional therapy for puppies with patent ductus arteriosus, the most common congenital heart defect.

These advanced treatments are now available locally in Malaysia.

Key Points:

‼️Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) ‼️

It is the most common acquired heart disease in older small and medium-sized dogs.

V-Clamp Implantation is a minimally invasive implant technique based on transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) used in humans. The V-Clamp is inserted to clamp the leaking mitral valve, thereby reducing regurgitation and improving heart function.

Benefits of V-Clamp Surgery:
✅Reduce mitral valve regurgitation
✅Better quality of life and possibly longer survival.

‼️Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)‼️

It’s the most commonly seen congenital heart disease in dogs.

Interventional therapy involves closing the PDA with a device via catheter without the need for open chest surgery.

Benefits of interventional therapy:
✅ Less invasive - most dogs can be sent home the next day of surgery
✅ Less risk associated with ductal rupture caused by surgical manipulation

Link:
https://www.sinchew.com.my/news/20250621/supplement/6634573

Today, 15th June 2025, we performed a heart procedure that was nothing short of a roller coaster ride and we’re thrilled...
15/06/2025

Today, 15th June 2025, we performed a heart procedure that was nothing short of a roller coaster ride and we’re thrilled to share that it ended with success!

Our patient was a small dog born with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Our initial plan was to close the PDA using a Vet-PDA occluder, inserted through the jugular vein in the neck. Everything was set… until the occluder unexpectedly dropped through the PDA. That was the first twist in our day.

Just as we were regaining control, the fluoroscopy machine started to malfunction. In a procedure that relies heavily on imaging, this is equivalent to flying blind in a storm. We knew the clock was ticking.

With seconds to spare before complete imaging failure, I managed to thread the catheter through the PDA one last time. From there, we had to think fast. I switched gears to use a different device—an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 (AVP-4)—a tiny, advanced plug that is less dependent on imaging and easier to handle when you’re flying by feel rather than sight.

At this point, I sensed the advancement of the device within the catheter by “touch”. My sonographer became my second pair of eyes, using transesophageal and transthoracic ultrasound to help us guide the device into the perfect position.

If the catheter had slipped out again, we were prepared to stop the procedure entirely, as repeating the process without imaging would have been incredibly risky. But with teamwork, caution, and focus, we navigated every twist.

Once we were confident in the device’s position, we released it and it worked beautifully. Blood flow through the PDA was completely shut off, and “our heart could finally rest.”

What made this case even more special is that it was the first time this specific technique—using an AVP-4 via the jugular vein—was performed and reported in Malaysia in a dog this small. Globally, it’s still a rarely documented approach in veterinary medicine.

A Personal Reflection:

As a veterinary cardiologist, this case reminded me just how important teamwork, quick thinking, and mental readiness are during advanced procedures. We always go in with a plan, but we also prepare for what to do when the plan goes sideways. And when that happens, having a capable, calm, and focused team makes all the difference.

From the outside, it may seem like “just another surgery,” but behind every successful intervention is a team giving their all, not just in skill, but in heart.

This was one of those days I’ll never forget. And I’m so grateful the outcome was a happy one for both our little patient and their family.

On 5 June 2025, I had the honour of attending Asian Meeting of Animal Medical Specialties (AMAMS) in Bangkok, where I pr...
05/06/2025

On 5 June 2025, I had the honour of attending Asian Meeting of Animal Medical Specialties (AMAMS) in Bangkok, where I presented my study titled “Hemodynamic and Renal Impacts of Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Stage C Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease.”

I was the first presenter of the session and the only Malaysian in the cardiology stream, and one of just two Malaysian presenters at the entire conference.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with industry professionals and academics, including Dr. Anusak from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, Professor Deni from Indonesia, Dr Hung from Taiwan, and some Japanese cardiologists who are also my mates.

To me, networking is just as important as presenting. Besides, I also had the chance to reunite with colleagues I rarely get to see.

I was also invited to dinners hosted by Royal Canin and Elanco, which added to the enriching experience.

To top it off, shortly after my presentation, I received the news that my manuscript was finally accepted for publication in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science!

It was a very rewarding news because this study was entirely self-funded and born out of the clinical cases I have encountered in practice. It was driven by my personal initiative and reflects a belief that meaningful research contributions can still be made outside of academic institutions. Through this work, I hope to show that private practitioners, too, can play a valuable role in advancing veterinary science.

Truly a fruitful and rewarding trip indeed.

This is what we are facing:As we operate strictly on an appointment basis, a last-minute cancellation has several conseq...
01/06/2025

This is what we are facing:

As we operate strictly on an appointment basis, a last-minute cancellation has several consequences:

1. Empty slot – The time reserved for you could have been offered to another patient in need of urgent care.

2. Workflow disruption – Such changes affect the efficiency and flow of our schedule. We have to ask clients if they could come earlier to fill the empty slots.

Do you know how many patients are desperately seeking immediate consultations with us? But we feel bad for not being able to squeeze a slot in for them.

We kindly ask that everyone to be a more considerate client moving forward.

31/05/2025

Notice of Temporary Unavailability

Dear clients Follower,

Please be informed that we will be unavailable until mid-June, as our doctor will be attending an international conference and our schedule is currently fully booked.

For emergencies, kindly consider visiting a nearby veterinary clinic or hospital.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Address

Petaling Jaya

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