Our cardiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat congenital and acquired heart diseases. This comprehensive practice offers specialized diagnostics and invasive procedures relevant to management of cardiovascular diseases in pets.
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.
Check in form
Click here to download the editable check in form for the Cardiology department and email to [email protected]
Getting Treatment
If your veterinarian has evaluated your pet and recommended that he or she make an appointment with one of our Board-Certified Specialists, we ask that your veterinarian complete our referral form.
Click here to download our Referral Form
Our Services
Echocardiogram
Chest Radiographs
Blood Pressure
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
Holter Monitor
Loop Recorder
Fluoroscopy

Cardiac catheterization and angiography
Invasive Procedures
Our Practice
Appointments
Cardiology Department 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 the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). She has served on several ACVIM committees and currently is Secretary for the ACVIM Specialty of Cardiology. She is grateful to work in a career that she truly loves and is inspired by.
Dr. Hitchcock lives in Medina with her husband. She has four children, two grown, and two nearly so, and two dogs, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Olivia, and a Labrador Retriever, Lexi.

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.

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 and working 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 four children, and a menagerie of furred and scaled babies. When not working, Hally enjoys camping and spending time outdoors with her family, playing or watching volleyball, and crafting.

Nicole Donze, RVT
Cuyahoga Community College (2012)
Nicole grew up in Northeast Ohio and has been working with Ohio Veterinary Cardiology since 2015. Nicole started her career as a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2012 at a small animal clinic, then joined Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in the Emergency Department in December of 2013. When Nicole is not working, she enjoys spending time with her niece and family.

Mandi DeLarec (Tech)
A.A.S. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (2006)
B.S. Middle Tennessee State University (2009)
RVT: Brown Mackie College (2013)
Mandi started her veterinary career in Oak Ridge, North Carolina at a small animal practice. After moving back to the buckeye state, and realizing banking was not for her she returned to school to be a RVT. Mandi was hired on emergency department in 2013. Mandi has played many roles at metro, but enjoys anesthesia and cardiology the most. When she isn’t working you can usually find Mandi at the drag strip with her Mustang, crafting or hiking with her rescue pittie, Wally.

Monica Murphy (Receptionist)
Monica joined the Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital team in February of 2017 as an emergency room receptionist. She accepted her current position as receptionist with Ohio Veterinary Cardiology in August of 2019. Monica was born and raised in Fairlawn, where she currently resides with her husband of 30 years. She has two grown children, a daughter and a son. She welcomed her first granddaughter in July of 2019, which has been a constant source of joy. She also has one spoiled cat. Monica has a passion for beautiful flowers and enjoys digging in her yard in season, while also spending as much time as possible being a grandma. “I feel very blessed to be working with such an amazing group of talented and devoted veterinarians and technicians in such a life-saving specialty practice”