The new head of cardiology at one of the UK’s leading animal hospitals is aiming to deliver the highest quality treatment for pets in the country.
Joao Loureiro, an RCVS and EBVS® Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology, has been appointed head of service at Linnaeus-owned London Vet Specialists (LVS) in Belsize Park.
He said it was an inspiring time to join LVS as the team prepares to move into their new £8 million purpose-built hospital in London’s Hammersmith later this year.
Joao said: “LVS is at a particularly exciting time with the opening of the new state-of-the-art hospital in Hammersmith this year.
“I’m looking forward to participating in this project and offering my experience and expertise to help shape it into one of the best hospitals in the country.
“As head of cardiology, my primary responsibilities involve the delivery of clinical excellence to patients with cardiac conditions, alongside planning and effecting the development of the cardiology department.
“My key ambitions are to continue delivering to the best care to pets with cardiac conditions and make this even more accessible for pets in central London.
“I’ll also be working to expand the cardiology department to provide interventional (minimally invasive) cardiac procedures and actively participate in the development and growth of the LVS team.”
Joao is no stranger to Linnaeus, which is owned by the global Mars Veterinary Health group, having previously worked as a cardiology specialist at North Downs Specialist Referrals in Bletchingley, Surrey.
Joao said he has had an incredibly rewarding career so far and is delighted to have been able to help so many sick and injured animals, often with complex and challenging problems.
Joao added: “I have so many memorable cases either due to the challenging complexity of some of the conditions I’ve treated, such performing keyhole surgery on a dog weighing less than 2kg or in cats, or because of the true connection to patients and their owners, who trust the care of their beloved pets to us.
“Having said that, performing a cardiac ultrasound on a tiger cub was probably the most unusual experience of my career and one I’ll never forget.”
Joao graduated from the University of Oporto in Portugal in 2001 and his interest in cardiology prompted a move to the UK in 2003.
He explained: “I began my veterinary cardiology specialist training in 2005 at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at the University of Liverpool.
“I gained my ECVIM-CA (cardiology) specialist status in 2009 and became a recognised RCVS specialist in 2010.
“Further to my clinical work, I’m actively involved in training interns and residents and regularly give lectures both in the UK and internationally.
“I became an examiner for the ECVIM-CA Cardiology Specialty in 2015 and took on the role of committee chair in 2020.
“Outside of my professional pursuits, I especially enjoy exploring the diverse cultural offerings that London has to offer.
“I play guitar, dance salsa, enjoy running, especially if chasing a football, and rarely miss an opportunity to surf or snowboard.”
LVS is a multidisciplinary veterinary referral facility which offers expert care in anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, neurology, oncology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, ophthalmology and soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery.
