Ensuring Pet Heart Health through Collaboration and Expertise
About us
Veterinary Cardiac Care SD specializes in cardiology services that work hand-in-hand with your primary care veterinarian and other veterinary specialists to ensure the best possible care for your pet. We serve the greater San Diego area, and in the Coachella Valley we see patients at Animal Samaritans in Thousand Palms.
Our approach centers on collaboration, making your pet’s heart health a true team effort. We partner directly with your regular veterinarian to create personalized treatment plans, ensuring that follow-up care, medication refills, and any additional concerns are managed through your primary vet, keeping communication streamlined and care consistent.
We may recommend recheck appointments to monitor your pet’s progress, which are coordinated through your veterinarian; and if you ever have questions or concerns, your referring veterinarian is always your first point of contact.
If you’re a pet owner interested in our services, please reach out to your primary care veterinarian to discuss whether a cardiology referral is right for your pet. We look forward to being part of your pet’s care team.
Veterinarians interested in referring patients are welcome to contact us directly. We are committed to clear communication, timely reporting, and making the referral process as smooth as possible for your team and your clients.
Adonia Hsu, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Cardiologist
Dr. Adonia Hsu received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She began her career in a general practice in Brooklyn, NY. Driven by a passion for specialty medicine, she pursued an internship at Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Lawndale, CA and subsequently completed a cardiology residency at the University of California, Davis.
Following her residency and board certification in 2009, Dr. Hsu practiced in Seattle, WA for three years, where she was honored as one of Seattle’s best vets in 2011 by Seattle Met Magazine before relocating to San Diego. Since 2012, she has been a veterinary cardiologist in San Diego at the VCA Emergency Hospital and Referral Center. Alongside her work in San Diego, Dr. Hsu has also been providing veterinary cardiology services in the Coachella Valley since 2012. Her expertise includes managing chronic and critical cardiac cases and performing non-invasive catheter based procedures.
Dr. Hsu is now embarking on a new venture, Veterinary Cardiac Care SD, a mobile veterinary cardiology service. In addition to her clinical practice, she is a consulting cardiologist for the National Marine Mammal Foundation and the US Navy Marine Mammal Program. Most recently, she has co-authored several publications and presentations on cardiac health in dolphins and sea lions.
Ffion Johnson, BSc(Hons), RVN, RVT
Registered Veterinary Technician
Ffion Johnson, RVT is a skilled and compassionate veterinary technician with over a decade of experience in both general and specialty practice. She earned her veterinary nursing degree in the United Kingdom in 2012 and became a Registered Veterinary Technician in California. Ffion joined Dr. Hsu in October 2024 and plays an integral role in providing a smooth and comfortable experience for every patient.
Her responsibilities include handling patients for echocardiograms, setting up and operating diagnostic equipment, placing Holter monitors, and ensuring smooth communication between pet owners, clinics, and Dr. Hsu. As a Fear Free® Certified professional, Ffion is dedicated to creating a calm, low-stress environment for every patient.
With a broad background that includes large animal exotics, general practice, and small animal specialty medicine, Ffion brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. She also has special interests in nutrition and behavior—two areas that often intersect with cardiology. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cycling, and spending time with her two beloved cats, Lord Beerus and Lord Champa.