Our hospital offers Echocardiography as one of our many Cardiology Services. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound (sonogram) exam of the heart. Many times both radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasound of the heart are recommended for best evaluation of heart disease. X-rays show the size, shape and position of the heart and the ultrasound allows your veterinarian to see the internal structure and function of the heart.

Echocardiography is very non-invasive and well-tolerated by most pets. Most pets do not require sedation or anesthesia but this depends on their temperament. The hair on the chest wall behind their elbow area may be clipped to allow adequate visualization of the heart during the ultrasound. Gel is then placed on the skin in this area and the ultrasound probe to record images of the heart. Ultrasound produces a cross-sectional two-dimensional view of the heart by bouncing high frequency sound wave off the heart. The sound that is reflected back to the probe is used to compose an image. Because sound is used this exam is very safe to the patient.

The power of echocardiography is the ability to look inside the heart at various structures. Wall thickness can be measured, valves can examined and the flow of blood can be evaluated. These, and other parameters, allow your veterinarian to diagnose and provide appropriate treatment recommendations for diseases of the heart.

If your veterinarian has concerns about their initial ultrasound examination, they may refer you to a specialty veterinary hospital for further evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist

See our departments

Cardiology

WE TAKE YOUR PET’S HEALTH TO HEART.


COMPLETE CARDIOLOGY CARE FOR YOUR PET

Our cardiology service provides consultation for any patient with signs or symptoms of heart disease which includes evaluation of heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms. In addition, patients with symptoms of heart disease (such as cough, breathing difficulty, exercise intolerance and fainting) will be evaluated in order to devise treatment strategies to improve quality of life and longevity. Additional services include screening potential breeding dogs and cats for genetic heart defects and pre-anesthetic evaluation of cardiac patients.

Interventional procedures include temporary and permanent pacemaker implantation and correction of congenital heart defects (patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonic stenosis). Minimally invasive techniques utilizing fluoroscopy are routinely performed.

DIAGNOSTIC MODALITIES INCLUDE:

  • Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound)
  • Electrocardiography (ECG)
  • Holter monitoring (ambulatory ECG)
  • Insertable loop recorder (ILR) placement for detection of intermittent arrhythmias
  • Digital thoracic radiography
  • Angiography
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Non-invasive blood pressure measurement

Our Cardiology Services

Echocardiography
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Holter Monitoring

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