Our cardiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat congenital and acquired heart diseases. This comprehensive practice offers specialized diagnostics and invasive procedures that once were only available hundreds of miles away.
As a specialized practice within a multi-speciality hospital, we provide integrated specialized care for pets with complex, multi-systemic disease and assist in the management of cardiac complications of other disease processes. When necessary, we make recommendations for and facilitate transfer to our surgeons when surgical intervention or therapy is required.
We work closely with your regular veterinarian to keep them updated on our findings and recommendations and partner with them to provide for your pet’s ongoing care.
Getting Treatment
To make an appointment or receive treatment from our board-certified specialists, you’ll need a referral from your veterinarian.
Click here to download our Referral Form
Our Services
Echocardiogram
Chest Radiographs
Blood Pressure
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
Holter Monitor
Event Monitor
Fluoroscopy

Cardiac catheterization and angiography
Invasive Procedures
Our Practice
Appointments
OVC Practice Hours
Hospitalized Patients
Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Lori S. Hitchcock
DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Lori Hitchcock is originally from Maryland and graduated from the University of Maryland summa cum laude in 1992 with a B.S. in veterinary science. She completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ohio State University, also graduating summa cum laude. She stayed at Ohio State for a small animal medicine internship then performed her residency in cardiology at the University of Missouri under the mentorship of Dr. John Bonagura. She was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialty of Cardiology in 1999. Dr. Hitchcock remained at the University of Missouri as a clinical instructor for one year before returning to Columbus, Ohio, as a staff cardiologist at MedVet Medical Center, where she practiced for four years. In 2004, Dr. Hitchcock opened Ohio Veterinary Cardiology at the Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio.
Dr. Hitchcock is an active member of the Summit County Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). She has served on the Cardiology Examination Committee for the ACVIM College of Cardiology. Our practice actively supports the work of the ACVIM Foundation.
Dr. Hitchcock lives in Medina with her husband, four children, and Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Olivia.

Dr. Michelle Villalba
Dr. Villalba grew up in Cincinnati Ohio and joined Ohio Veterinary Cardiology in August 2019. Following graduation from veterinary school she completed a small animal rotating internship at Ontario Veterinary College. She returned to Ohio State University to complete her residency in cardiology. During her residency program, she obtained her master’s degree studying diastolic function in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. She enjoys treating all cardiac conditions and giving her patients an improved quality of life. In her free time she enjoys relaxing at home with her husband, dog and two cats.
Meet Our Staff


Hally E. Niehaus, RVT
B.S.: The Ohio State University (2001)
R.V.T.: Columbus State Community College (2003)
V.T.S.: Academy of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Cardiology (2011)
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Hally has been living in Northeast Ohio since Ohio Veterinary Cardiology opened their doors at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in August 2004. She has been working in the veterinary field since 1995 and has been a registered veterinary technician, working work Dr. Hitchcock, since 2003. She obtained her specialty certification in cardiology the summer of 2011. She currently lives in Copley with her husband, their three children, and a menagerie of fur-babies. “I have always wanted to work with animals and am lucky enough to have made my career out of my passion!”

Lisa Anderson (Receptionist)
Lisa currently resides in Coventry with her husband, Adam and their beautiful daughter, Isabella, and their cat, Luna. She has been with Ohio Veterinary Cardiology since February 2008 as Dr. Hitchcock’s receptionist. At the front desk she answers incoming calls, relays messages, schedules appointments and always has a smile for new and established clients. “I am very happy to play a role on the cardiology team here at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital!”