Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram

Dr. Petsche successfully completed an intensive six-month echocardiogram course at the Academy of Veterinary Imaging in collaboration with GE Healthcare. This specialized training equips our practice with advanced capabilities in cardiac imaging, ensuring the highest standard of care for your beloved pets.

Dr. Petsche’s expertise includes state-of-the-art techniques in echocardiogram, allowing for precise diagnosis and comprehensive assessment of cardiac health. This certification underscores our commitment to excellence in veterinary medicine, offering your pets the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options available in a Fear Free environment.

What Is Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of the heart that provides detailed and comprehensive information about its structure and function. A complete echocardiographic study includes imaging from both the right and left sides of the chest and utilizes more than 15 different views, using 2D echocardiography, M-mode echocardiography, pulsed-wave Doppler, continuous-wave Doppler, color-wave Doppler.

An echocardiogram allows visualization of the heart muscle and valves, as well as assessment of how blood flows through the heart. Specific measurements taken during the echocardiogram help determine the type and severity of heart disease, which is classified into Stages A, B1, B2, C, or D. The stage of disease guides when to begin heart medications.  Timely treatment with medications can significantly improve both the quality and length of a pet’s life.

Echocardiography is an essential tool that helps our veterinarians provide the best possible care to keep your pets healthy and happy.

How Can I Tell If My Pet Has Heart Disease?

Some pets with heart disease may show symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, or fainting. However, other pets may have no visible symptoms, and heart disease may first be suspected during a physical exam if a heart murmur or irregular rhythm is detected. Routine screening is also common for breeds predisposed to heart disease.

How Does Echocardiogram Help Diagnose Heart Disease?

Echocardiogram provides real-time images of the heart, allowing a cardiologist to evaluate how well the heart muscle is contracting, how the valves are functioning, and whether there are any internal abnormalities.

While this is the most effective tool for evaluating the heart’s structure and function, additional tests may be needed, such as:

  • Chest X-rays or radiographs
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood pressure measurements
  • Blood tests

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Echocardiograms

Will My Pet Need Sedation?

To help your pet feel calm and comfortable, we may order a mild anti-anxiety medication for you to give at home before the appointment. Many pets are relaxed enough to lie quietly on a padded table with gentle support from our technicians during the echocardiogram.

In some cases, an additional injectable sedative may be needed to help your pet remain still for the best-quality images. If sedation is recommended, our team will discuss this with you beforehand and ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout the process.

Yes, a small area of fur will be shaved on each side of your pet’s chest. This allows the ultrasound probe to make proper contact with the skin, using a water-based gel to capture the clearest images possible. Shaving ensures the most accurate assessment of your pet’s heart.

No, an echocardiogram is not uncomfortable for your pet. In fact, many pets find the experience quite relaxing thanks to the padded table, dim lighting, and gentle hum of the ultrasound machine. To help create a calming environment, we also play species-specific soothing music throughout the procedure.

Yes, food should be withheld before your pet’s appointment. The anti-anxiety medication given prior to the echocardiogram is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Please do not offer any meals after giving the medication.

Water may remain available at all times with no restrictions.

A team member will call you the day before your appointment to review all pre-visit instructions and answer any questions you may have.

The full cardiac evaluation typically takes several hours to complete, as multiple tests may be performed for a thorough assessment. The echocardiogram itself usually takes about 30–40 minutes. However, some pets may need short breaks when changing positions, and that’s perfectly okay. We always move at your pet’s pace to keep them comfortable throughout the visit.

Yes. A complete cardiac evaluation typically includes chest X-rays, blood pressure measurements, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) in addition to the echocardiogram. Before starting any heart medications, we will also perform blood and urine tests to ensure your pet’s overall health and to guide safe, effective treatment.

Dr. Petsche will provide you with a same-day summary of your pet’s initial echocardiogram findings. The images will then be reviewed in greater detail and sent to a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist for a comprehensive interpretation and treatment recommendations. The finalized report from the cardiac specialist is typically available within 3–7 days.