We’re delighted to share that our vet and Director Jess has recently completed the Advanced Certificate in Small Animal Cardiology, awarded by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies. This postgraduate qualification enhances the cardiology support we provide here at Priory, allowing us to assess and manage a broad spectrum of heart conditions—from innocent murmurs to more complex rhythm disturbances, congenital anomalies, and heart failure cases.
Having cardiology expertise available within the practice has improved safety and raised the quality of care across the board. It allows us to better support patients with known heart conditions and plays a vital role in anaesthetic planning and the management of critical cases requiring intensive cardiovascular support.
Since joining Priory in 2013, Jess has steadily developed our in-house cardiology service to make advanced heart investigations more accessible, without the need for long-distance referrals. She also works with other practices to support patients who benefit from more specialised cardiac input—whether that’s for diagnosis, ongoing management, or transitional care.
Jess’s passion for cardiac care runs deep—partly inspired by her own beautiful Jack Russell, Mickey (pictured) who lived with mitral valve disease for many years.
“Being both his vet and his person taught me how complex cardiac care really is. As I’ve continued to learn more about cardiology in small animals, I’ve come to appreciate that it’s very much an art as well as a science. The more you understand, the more you begin to pick out the nuances—the little differences that help you tailor care to the individual. That’s what makes it so rewarding.”
Jess’s approach isn’t simply about interpreting scans or diagnosing conditions; it’s about knowing the patient and understanding what truly serves them. Sometimes that means going deeper with advanced investigations, and sometimes it means recognising when less is more. For Jess, thoughtful decision-making—tailored to each individual—is at the heart of good cardiac care.
“That’s where I think being able to offer more advanced cardiology services within a general practice setting is so beneficial. We see these pets over years, and build relationships based on trust with their owners. Nowhere is that more important than when managing complex conditions like heart disease.”
Following on from her success, Jess has vowed to take a break from study—at least for now—turning her focus to the ever-challenging task of training her teenage terrier, Lando (pictured at top of page – training results pending!)
For more information on our cardiology services, visit our website.