Cardiology | Hope Advanced Veterinary Center Vienna

An established leader in cardiac care, CVCA is comprised of a team of board certified veterinary cardiologists, cardiology residents, technicians and assistants who work together with you and your family veterinarian to achieve the highest level of care for your pet.

CVCA sees the most veterinary cardiac cases in the world. This vast experience stimulates open discussion to tailor the optimal treatment for each individual pets needs.

Together we provide advanced cardiac diagnostics and treatment for your pet including:

Our board certified cardiologists have completed three to five years of post doctoral training after graduation from veterinary school including a residency in Cardiology and two years of extensive examination. The doctors of CVCA are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine within the College of Cardiology (www.acvim.com). Our commitment to education extends into our own cardiology residency program within CVCA. We value this high level of training and specialization as well as our individual talents, strengths and diversity. Our goal is to advance the understanding and treatment of the disease processes that affect veterinary cardiac patients, ultimately improving the quality and length of their lives. Our commitment comes from the passion that we all share for preserving the human-animal bond.

CVCA is on call for telephone consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Steven L. Rosenthal, D.V.M. joined CVCA in 1994. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Dr. Rosenthal went on to receive his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed both his small animal internship and cardiology residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York, after which he was a staff cardiologist for one year. Dr. Rosenthal is the cardiology consultant for the Smithsonian Institute National Zoo in Washington DC, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, and the National Aquarium.

He has lectured on numerous occasions to students and colleagues alike. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Cardiology and has been recognized professionally for various research projects. His interests include the use of tissue velocity imaging as a means of evaluating diastolic heart function, catheterization techniques for treatment of congenital heart disease, the use of biomarker testing in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, and clinical use of new cardiac medications. Dr. Rosenthal has been active in the ACVIM College of Cardiology and has served as chairman of the examination, forum, and residency training committees. He is an avid University of Maryland sports fan and enjoys golfing and skiing. Dr. Rosenthal sees patients primarily in our new state-of-the-art facility in Towson, MD.

Dr. Bonnie Lefbom is passionate about providing caring, state of the art veterinary cardiology for pets and their families. Having spent several years in private practice, she is centered in the practical and scientific approach to veterinary cardiology. Dr. Lefbom is well aware of the emotional and financial considerations involved in treating her patients and works closely with owners to achieve the optimal treatment in each and every case. She also provides surgical repair of the congenital defect Patent Ductus Arteriosus for the practice. On average, she repairs 10-12 PDAs per year with outstanding success.

Dr. Lefbom is active in the veterinary community both locally, as past president of the Northern Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, and nationally with the ACVIM College of Cardiology. She has a special interest in breed-specific cardiac disease, has several articles published in refereed veterinary journals, and lectures regularly on cardiac related disease. Her home life is hectic and fun with the Lefbom family zoo 3 school age children, 3 dogs, and a very special big orange cat. Dr Lefbom is a sports enthusiast at many levels. She plays many sports herself and loves to cheer on the many local teams including her Alma Mater the Terps! Dr. Lefbom sees patients primarily at Hope Advanced Veterinary Center in Vienna, VA and the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA.

Dr. Bill Tyrrell is a 1992 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, he spent four years in small animal practice in Northern Virginia, where he became fascinated with cardiology and echocardiography. He then began a cardiology residency program at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his residency credentials with CVCA and achieved Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the College of Cardiology in 1999. Dr. Tyrrell strives to fully educate his clients about the cardiac disease found within their pets. Interactive communication is a very important part of his examination, consultation, and follow-up treatment.

Dr. Tyrrell lectured on advanced echocardiographic techniques at the 2009 and 2010 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forums in Montreal and Anaheim. He also recently lectured this past summer in Hershey, PA at the PVMA Annual Meeting. In February of 2010, he was elected President of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association and has served on its Board of Directors for the past eight years. He is a past President of the Northern Virginia Veterinary Medical Association and the Virginia Tech (VMRCVM) Veterinary School Alumni Society. He is also a past chair of the VMRCVM Curriculum Advisory Board. Dr. Tyrrell was awarded the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award in 2003 by the VA Tech Alumni Association. He lives in Leesburg with his wife, two young daughters and two cats, Chianti and Serafina. In his rare personal time he enjoys golfing, fishing and cheering on the Hokies. Dr. Tyrrell sees patients primarily at The LifeCentre in Leesburg, Virginia.

Dr. Sidley received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota. She then completed both her internship and residency training at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. While at the University level, Dr Sidley participated in various research projects, teaching duties, and techniques for clinical practice.

She also has published an article in the JAVMA. Dr. Sidley has achieved board certification from the ACVIM College of Cardiology. Dr. Sidleys clinical practice focuses on client education and state of the art treatment plans. Dr. Sidley divides her cardiac appointment hours between Hope Advanced Veterinary Center in Vienna, VA and the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, Vienna.

Dr. Jacob joined CVCA in 2005. She received her bachelors degree and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. She completed both her small animal internship and her cardiology residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York. She then became part of the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota as an assistant clinical professor. While at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Jacob developed a busy clinical cardiology service and stressed the importance of client education and addressing all of the patients needs to her students. Dr. Jacob has lectured on a variety of topics to students, veterinary technicians and colleagues.

She has been a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine since 1998. Her involvement in numerous research projects has led to the publication of several articles in scientific journals. Her interests include pacemaker therapy, medical therapy of congestive heart failure and feline cardiomyopathies. Dr. Jacob understands the importance of communication and emphasizes education and deciding with the clients what the best treatment options are for their pet and their family. Dr. Jacob loves spending her spare time at home with her husband, twin 5-year old boys, and her two cats, Jake a 13 year old orange tabby and Donovan, a 2 year old mischievious kitty. She also enjoys exercising, has completed several triathlons and a 3-day, 60-mile walk as a fund raiser for Breast Cancer. Occasionally, they find time to travel as well! Dr. Jacob sees patients primarily in our Towson, MD and Rockville, MD offices.

Tim Cain received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. His small animal medicine and surgery internship at University of Illinois was followed by a cardiology residency at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston.

Board certification as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Medicine in Cardiology was achieved in 1995. Dr Cain has been practicing veterinary cardiology in the DC area for 13 years. His interests include feline cardiomyopathy and long term follow up of patients with chronic heart disease. Dr. Cain primarily sees patients out of the Gaithersburg, MD location.

Dr. Weidman received his bachelors degree from Pomona College in Claremont, CA and his veterinary degree from Oregon State University within Corvallis, OR. He completed his small animal medical internship at Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Group in Ventura, CA prior to joining CVCA for his cardiology residency program. Dr. Weidman completed his residency and became Board certified in cardiology in July of 2006. His professional interests include emergency and critical care of the cardiac patient as well as cardiac pharmacology. Dr. Weidman has a large four-legged family with three dogs and one cat. Outside of work, he enjoys running, biking, and playing chess. Dr. Weidman primarily sees patients out of the Richmond, Virginia location

Dr. Pasieka joined CVCA as a resident in July of 2006. After graduating at the top of her class with a veterinary degree from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, she completed an internship with Ordell Animal Hospital in New Jersey. Prior to joining CVCA, she worked as a primary care veterinarian in her home state of New York.

Dr. Pasieka has a strong interest in delivering quality, compassionate care for companion animals. In her spare time, Gina enjoys Schutzhund and loves to work with sporting breeds of dogs. Dr. Pasiekas husband is a board certified Internist in Leesburg, Virginia. They share their home with a cat, Armand, an Italian Greyhound, Dexter, and a Belgian Malinois, Fargo.

Dr. Peckens joined CVCA as a resident in June of 2008. He earned a bachelors degree in biology from St. Marys College of Maryland and subsequently earned his veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional college of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a rotating emergency/specialty medicine internship with a regional referral hospital. Prior to joining CVCA, he was employed by the Animal Emergency and Critical Care Associates at The LifeCentre of Leesburg, Virginia as an emergency clinician.

Dr. Peckens professional interests including minimally invasive interventional catheterization procedures, canine cardiomyopathies, and evidence based nutraceutical support of the cardiac patient. Dr. Peckens strives to provide optimal care tailored to each individual patient. Open and effective communication are a cornerstone of his daily interactions with his clients and collaborating primary care veterinarians in his effort to optimize his patients quality and quantity of life. Dr. Peckens and his wife share their Herndon, VA home with four cats and their beloved Doberman-mix Sadie and puggle Dudley Cooper. In his free time he enjoys backcountry hiking, playing guitar, cooking/grilling, and playing soccer.

Dr. Rick Cober recently joined CVCA in the fall of 2011. He received his bachelors degree from Cornell University in 2001 followed by his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 2006. He then went on to complete a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery back at Cornell before starting a residency and masters degree program in cardiology at The Ohio State University. Upon completion of his residency and masters degree he remained on faculty at OSU for one year as a Clinical Instructor with Cardiology and Interventional Medicine service. During his time at OSU, Dr. Cober was involved in clinical teaching and lecturing to all levels of veterinary students, participating in continuing education for local practitioners, and authoring several peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters.

Dr. Cober has been a Diplomate of the American College of Internal Medicine in cardiology since July 2010. His main interests include diagnosis and treatment of congenital cardiac disease, interventional medicine, pacemaker therapy, and development of novel therapeutics for treatment of cardiac disease. Born and raised in the greater Annapolis area, Dr Cober enjoys spending time with his family and friends, his 6 year old Bouvier (Coel) and 8 year old cat (Finn). He also enjoys any type of water related activity, exercising, golfing, reading, and traveling.

Dr. Kacie Schmitt was born and raised in Cumberland, MD. She received her Bachelor of Science in Poultry Science from North Carolina State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She continued her education at North Carolina State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. During veterinary school, Dr. Schmitt completed research comparing the diagnostic accuracy of thoracic radiographs and plasma brain natriuretic peptide for congestive heart failure in dogs presenting with cough or dyspnea. She presented the findings at the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium in 2007.

Dr. Schmitt completed a one-year comprehensive medical and surgical internship at VCA Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, MD. During her internship, Dr. Schmitt published a manuscript titled Infective Endocarditis in Standards of Care: Emergency and Critical Care Medicine. Following her internship, Dr. Schmitt worked at Greenbriar Veterinary Emergency Hospital. Her interests include management of congestive heart failure, interventional cardiology, the use of cardiac biomarkers in the emergency setting, and the use of cardiac biomarkers in the management of prognosis of congestive heart failure. In her free time, Dr. Schmitt enjoys spending time with her friends and family, including her horse, Solo, and pug, Minnie, as well as traveling. She is an avid NC State football fan GO PACK!

Dr. Hickey earned a bachelors degree in biology from the University of Maryland-College Park in 2005, where a few excellent physiology courses got him interested in cardiology. He received a DVM from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. He then completed a rotating internship at The Hope Center for Advanced Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and trying new restaurants with his wife, Katie, planning for future travel, following the Maryland Terps and DC United, and spending time with his mixed breed dog, Mia.

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Cardiology | Hope Advanced Veterinary Center Vienna