CardioBird

Veterinarian Spotlight #18:

 

Dr. Anthony Leong

 

We are delighted to introduce Dr. Anthony Leong as our featured veterinarian for this issue. He currently practises as a cardiology consultant at Shinzo Veterinary Clinic and Kota Damansara Veterinary Centre. Additionally, he is an invited speaker at various national and international workshops and conferences. Dr. Leong holds a veterinary degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science from the United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University in Japan. He is a Malaysian College of Veterinary Specialists (MCVS) registered cardiologist who oversees the diagnosis, treatment, and interventional procedures for cardiovascular diseases in companion animals.

 

Bio：

• DVM, Universiti Putra Malaysia (Vice Chancellor’s Award)
• PhD, United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University (Dean’s Award)
• Member of Malaysian College of Veterinary Specialists
• Member of Japanese Society of Veterinary Cardiology
• Member of Asian Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine
• Cardiology Consultant, Shinzo Veterinary Clinic (Present)
• Cardiology Consultant, Kota Damansara Veterinary Centre (Present)

 

Q1 :  How would you introduce yourself in 3 words

Research-minded. Critical. Opportunistic.

 

Q2 : At what age, did you decide to become a vet?

I decided to become a vet after STPM at the age of 18, when I first discovered that veterinary medicine was a possible career path. It was purely driven by intuition and curiosity. Looking back, that spontaneous decision became one of the most meaningful choices of my life.

 

Q3 : What do you like the most about being a vet?

I like being able to bring new hope to cardiac patients by turning life-threatening conditions into treatable ones through innovation and teamwork.

 

Q4 : One sentence that describes your value as a vet.

My value as a vet is to turn challenges into second chances by giving every heartbeat a renewed opportunity to keep going.

 

Q5 : Can you share one memorable moment in your career as a vet?

One of the most memorable moments in my career has been pioneering several advanced cardiac procedures in Malaysia, offering new hope to pet owners across the country. Together with my dedicated team, we have made the previously impossible possible – performing procedures such as transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), occlusion and ligation techniques for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), heartworm removal, pulmonary artery banding for ventricular septal defect (VSD), and stem cell therapy.

We work hand in hand, each team member playing a vital role in ensuring the safety, precision, and success of every procedure. I feel deeply touched whenever I see the emotional reactions of pet owners as they reunite with their pets recovering well after surgery. Those moments – seeing relief, gratitude, and hope in their eyes remind me why I do what I do. It’s not just about advancing cardiac procedures, but about restoring the bond between pets and their families through compassionate, life-saving care.

 

Q6 : What is your expertise (pursuing focus)?

My expertise lies in companion animal cardiology, interventional treatment, and pulmonary hypertension. 

 

Q7 : What do you like the most about CardioBird?

As a veterinary cardiologist and interventionist, I hold CardioBird in high regard for postoperative monitoring of my cardiac patients. I care deeply about the heartbeat after surgery — ensuring it’s neither too fast nor too slow. Being able to observe the ECG waveform in real time provides great reassurance and allows me to respond promptly to any changes in my patient’s condition.

The device is small, lightweight, and easy to install, making it highly practical in a busy clinical setting. Its remote monitoring capability enables close collaboration with ICU veterinarians and staff, while critical care consultants from other parts of the world can offer timely input. Together, these features enhance the quality, safety, and continuity of cardiac care for my patients.

 

Q8: Surely you have a dream. What do you hope to accomplish through your career or in life?

I aspire to continue providing better services and the latest treatment options, upholding the highest standards of veterinary cardiology. My vision is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that every patient benefits from the most current, evidence-based, and compassionate care available. I also believe strongly in international collaboration, sharing knowledge and expertise across borders to advance the field and improve outcomes for cardiac patients everywhere.