Veterinary Echocardiography

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (“echo”) is an ultrasound examination of the heart. This non-invasive test allows your cardiologist to evaluate your pet’s heart structure and function in real time.

Using sound waves, the echocardiogram provides detailed images of:

Heart chambers
Heart valves
Blood flow through the heart
Heart muscle function
Fluid accumulation around the heart
Congenital or acquired heart disease

Echocardiography is considered the gold standard for diagnosing many forms of heart disease in dogs and cats.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops:

Difficulty breathing
Collapse episodes
Severe lethargy
Blue or pale gums
Rapid breathing at rest
Distended abdomen
Sudden weakness

These may represent an emergency condition and it will be recommended that your pet is first stabilized through our emergency service before further testing can be performed.

What to Expect

Before the visit:
- - ♦Continue medications unless instructed otherwise.
  - ♦Bring a list of current medications and supplements.
  - ♦Bring previous medical records if requested.
During the examination:
- - ♦ Echocardiograms are performed while your pet is awake and comfortably lying on a padded table.
  - ♦ Ultrasound gel is applied to the chest.
  - ♦ A specialized ultrasound probe is used to obtain images of the heart.
  - ♦ Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads may be attached to monitor heart rhythm.

Will I Receive Results the Same Day?

The echocardiogram is read out real time and the findings discussed during the appointment.

A full report with recommendations is typically sent to you and your primary veterinarian after the examination.

Treatment recommendations may include:

♦Monitoring only
♦Medications
♦Additional diagnostics
♦Follow-up echocardiograms
♦Referral recommendations such as an Internal Medicine evaluation if it is determined the signs are not cardic in origin.

Why and how can an Echo help?

Why Might My Pet Need an Echocardiogram?

Your veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram if your pet has:

♦A heart murmur
♦Coughing or difficulty breathing
♦Exercise intolerance
♦Enlarged heart seen on x-rays
♦Suspected congestive heart failure
♦Breed-related heart disease concerns
♦Need for anesthesia clearance before surgery or dentistry
♦Monitoring for known heart disease

What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed?

Echocardiography can help diagnose many cardiac conditions including:

♦Degenerative valve disease
♦Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
♦Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
♦Congenital heart defects
♦Pulmonary hypertension
♦Pericardial effusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an Echocardiogram safe?

Yes. Echocardiography is extremely safe and non-invasive.

Is the procedure painful?

No. The examination is painless.

How long does the appointment take?

Most echocardiogram appointments last approximately 30–60 minutes, depending on:

♦Patient temperament
♦Complexity of the case
♦Additional diagnostics needed
♦Discussion time with the veterinarian

Will my pet need repeated echocardiograms?

Most pets with chronic heart disease require periodic monitoring to evaluate progression and treatment response.

Can an echocardiogram diagnose all causes of coughing?

No. While echocardiography can determine whether heart disease is contributing to respiratory signs, additional diagnostics or referral to Internal Medicine for further diagnostics may still be needed.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Give us a call at 720-510-7707