By Mikaela Rendon, RVT
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, or “echo,” uses ultrasound technology to examine your pet’s heart and surrounding structures. The specialized ultrasound probe creates live images, allowing your vet to get an idea of several key factors that might otherwise go undetected with other diagnostic tools, such as bloodwork and x-rays.
Why would my pet need this?
We all know the saying “preventative medicine is the best medicine.” Unfortunately, heart disease is common in both dogs and cats. Recent studies show that 10% of all dogs in the US suffer from heart disease, and this risk increases with age. According to the CVCA,
“Up to 75% of senior dogs have some type of heart condition, and unfortunately, most go undetected.”
Some important signs to watch for include persistent coughing, exercise intolerance, and weight loss. When it comes to cats, heart disease can affect up to 15% of the population, with many cats not showing any clinical signs (Boudreau). Echocardiograms help detect early signs of heart disease in both dogs and cats, and they are also crucial for managing pets with existing heart conditions.
If your pet was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur or is suspected of having heart disease, an echocardiogram can help your vet appropriately adjust medications and create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Where can my pet get an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram requires specialized knowledge, training, and equipment to perform. Oftentimes, your vet will refer your pet to a veterinary cardiologist or ultrasound specialist for the procedure. At Moonlight Veterinary Center, we offer echocardiograms through our skilled veterinary sonographer, Dr. Sharon Paz.
What does the procedure entail?
This procedure is minimally invasive and painless for your pet. It is typically done in a quiet, dark room where your pet can lie comfortably with minimal restraint. A small amount of fur may be shaved on your pet’s chest, and ultrasound gel will be applied to their skin. The sonographer will then place the ultrasound probe on your pet’s chest to capture images and measurements of the heart.
Some key factors that are assessed include the presence of masses in and around the heart, fluid in the pericardial sac, heart wall thickness, chamber size, and blood flow. Additionally, your vet will perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) and measure your pet’s blood pressure to assess their heart health. After the procedure, a board-certified cardiologist will provide a detailed report on your pet’s heart condition with their recommendations, which your veterinarian will review with you.
Conclusion
An echocardiogram is a valuable diagnostic tool used in veterinary medicine to assess the status of your pet’s heart. Your veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram as a preventive measure or to evaluate an existing heart condition. From there, your vet can develop a tailored treatment plan and adjust any medications accordingly. If you think your pet might need an echocardiogram, we would be happy to assist you! Contact us at Moonlight Veterinary Center by phone, text, or email to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.
Moonlight Veterinary Center
Phone for calls/texts: (760) 652-5002
Email: contact@moonlightvet.com