Romanian magazine
of veterinary cardiology

open  letter

Open Letter to Readers
of Revista Română de Cardiologie Veterinară

I have been honored by a request to write a short letter to the readership of Revista Română de Cardiologie Veterinară, commemorating the anniversary of this journal. This is an easy task, because the principles and the goals of this publication are so strong and admirable. The goal of including authors not only from Romania and greater Europe, but from countries in other continents as well, covering cardiology topics of interest to veterinarians is not only ambitious, but very practical and constructive to the well being of Romanian veterinarians, their clients and their pets.

The field of cardiology is challenging for a number of reasons. First, dogs and cats with cardiovascular disease often have a life and death quality, often with a sense of urgency. This adds an air of intimidation to those caring for patients with heart disease. Secondly, the task of teaching cardiovascular physiology and pathology, and their clinical application presents unique challenges in that concepts and practical points are complex and intellectually challenging. Thirdly, the practice of cardiology is by its very nature heavily “imaging-“and “equipment-dependent”. This means that most (all) veterinarians are not adequately trained in the use of such equipment at the time of graduation, nor can most afford beyond the most basic specialist equipment. These challenges dictate that advanced training is required to gain the expertise in physiology, pathology, physical examination, clinical medicine and surgery, and diagnostic imaging (radiography, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and beyond). Such training is not widely available, and even when their interest and potential are high, people desirous of such training are not able to achieve it.

To combat these difficulties, veterinarians have joined together in forming “cardiology interest groups”. These have provided great support, with growing expertise for the group. Such groups vary greatly as to numbers of veterinarians, expertise, support, organization, goals, and ultimate impact. Nevertheless, such efforts are ALWAYS useful and have admirably propelled the profession, the individuals and the understanding of cardiology in animals forward. Resulting from such groups are continuing  education opportunities and publications such as the Newsletter of the Society of Veterinary Cardiology (USA), the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology (EU), The American Heartworm Society Newsletter, and The Proceedings of the American Heartworm Symposium. Now, added to this prestigious list is the Revista Română de Cardiologie Veterinară. The founders and contributors to this magazine should be congratulated on its reaching a 3rd anniversary this year and continuing on a successful run of supporting and advancing veterinary cardiology in Romania. The activities of this magazine have focused primarily on educational projects, which have included Romanian, U.S., and European contributors, and topics such as the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, heartworm disease, angiostrongylosis, proteinuric renal disease, electrocardiography, heart failure management, cardiorenal syndrome, cardiac neoplasia, and hypertension. I thank the founders, editors, and contributors involved in this publication, for their motivation, wisdom, enthusiasm, ambition and contributions to the science and art of veterinary cardiology.

Sincerely,
Clarke Atkins, DVM

Diplomate, ACVIM (Internal Medicine and Cardiology)
Jane Lewis Seaks Distinguished Professor Emeritus
North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, NC, USA