Echocardiography uses sound waves to safely image the heart valves, assess blood flow, determine the cause of heart murmurs, and evaluate the strength and health of the heart muscles and its chambers. The information and measurements provided give the Cardiologist answers to you and your Veterinarian's concerns.
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What is causing your pet's heart problem or concern?
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If disease is present, what is the prognosis?
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Are medications indicated?
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What precautions or protocols are necessary if your pet should require anesthesia for later procedures?
Some pets with heart disease have symptoms, including cough, difficulty breathing, exercise Intolerance, or fainting. Other pets may not have symptoms but may have a heart murmur or irregular heart rhythm detected by your family Veterinarian. Routine screening for breeds at risk for heart disease or for pre-breeding purposes is also performed. If you are concerned that your pet may have heart disease, please discuss this with your Veterinarian to determine if your pet should have an echocardiogram.
Procedure at Standiford Veterinary Center
The Cardiologist will communicate the results of the imaging directly to your Veterinarian. Your Veterinarian will contact you aft eh procedure to discuss the results and treatment if necessary.
Echocardiograms are same-day procedures. Our hospital may request that your pet be dropped off prior to the exam. In most cases, patients do not require sedation.
There will be a small area of shaved hair to allow better penetration of the ultrasound waves through the skin.
Please be sure to have your Veterinarian complete our Echocardiogram Referral Form and have all pertinent medical information with you at the time of the appointment.