About Us
Discover who we are,
what we do, and our long-term vision.
Who We Are
The Canadian Veterinary Cardiology Network (CVCN) is a national, non-profit initiative dedicated to strengthening the veterinary cardiology community across Canada.
Our mission is to foster collaboration, learning, and innovation in the field by connecting professionals passionate about cardiovascular health in animals.
What We Do
Provide opportunities
for case discussion, peer exchange, and professional connection.
Support ongoing education
through events, presentations, and shared resources.
Encourage dialogue around new developments and best practices in veterinary cardiology.
Our Long-Term Vision
A connected, knowledgeable Canadian community where veterinarians, technicians, researchers and students can easily share insight, expand their skills, and contribute to continued improvements in cardiovascular care.
Our Founders | The People Behind the Network
Dr. Sonja Fonfara
DVM, Dr med vet, PhD, Docent, CertVC, DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology)
Co-Founder, Canadian Veterinary Cardiology Network (CVCN)
I am a board-certified specialist in Companion Animal Cardiology with the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM). After graduating from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, completing a doctoral thesis, and working for several years in primary care practice in Germany, I moved to the UK to undertake an internship and residency in Veterinary Cardiology at the University of Liverpool.
This was followed by academic appointments as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the Universities of Liverpool and Bristol, and completion of a PhD at the University of Helsinki. In 2016, I joined the Cardiology Team at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. My research interest is in cardiac remodeling, particularly in cats.
During my time in the UK, I became involved with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society, The collegiality, knowledge exchange and commitment to advancing cardiology, inspired the foundation of the Canadian Veterinary Cardiology Network.
Dr. Michelle Colpitts
BScH, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate ACVIM
Co-Founder, Canadian Veterinary Cardiology Network (CVCN)
I am a board-certified specialist in Companion Animal Cardiology with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) based in Toronto. After my undergraduate and veterinary degrees at the University of Guelph in Ontario, I completed a rotating veterinary internship in upstate New York, worked two years as an emergency vet in Toronto, trained as a vet cardiology intern, and then pursued a unique fellowship at Meijer Heart in Michigan where I worked with ‘human’ sonographers on human and sheep projects.
Returning to Guelph for my veterinary cardiology residency, I completed a thesis on myocardial transcription markers in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Since 2022, I have joined the privately-owned “Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre” in downtown Toronto with fellow cardiologist, Dr. Andrew Chong, and a team of three amazing cardiology technicians.
Through the Canadian Veterinary Cardiology Network, I aim to be part of a supportive community that strives for evidence-based medicine with real-world practicality.
Discussion Forum
Our discussion forum is a space to engage with our cardiology community. Please feel free to participate by asking questions, sharing perspectives and experiences, and exchanging insights.
A Dedicated Discussion Area to Support Collaboration & Learning
