Overview

Echocardiography is a diagnostic tool that provides veterinarians with a live view of the heart as it functions. Sound waves bounce off of the heart back into the echocardiogram, where an ultrasound of the heart is displayed on a screen for a cardiologist to assess.

Why would my pet need an echocardiogram?

If your pet is having heart-related health issues, diagnostic tools such as an Echocardiogram can be used to help diagnose the problem and provide direction to your doctor as to treatment options.

When would my pet need an echocardiogram?

Our doctors may recommend an echocardiogram if they hear that your pet has a heart murmur during an exam, if we are planning to schedule anesthesia for your senior pet, or if they are experiencing any symptoms of heart-related conditions. If your pet is experiencing symptoms such as lethargy, fainting, shortness of breath, or other irregular behaviors, contact us immediately as those could be indications of heart disease. Echocardiograms may be used in conjunction with other tests such as EKG

How does electrocardiography work?

Veterinarians use EKG testing and echocardiograms to evaluate your pet's heart. They are both noninvasive, safe with no risk of exposure to radiation, and only take a few minutes. They’re performed typically with the pet lying down on a padded table.

An Echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that is performed on a pet’s chest. High-frequency sound waves produced by a transducer are directed towards the heart. These waves are then displayed onto a screen, providing a detailed live view of the heart, its chambers and compartments, and its blood flow. Our cardiologists can use these tests to identify any abnormalities in the heart as well as to check its overall health.

Echocardiograms can help our doctors diagnose any heart conditions your pet may suffer from, as well as monitor any treatments being administered to aid in your pet’s heart function.