Understanding Pet Echocardiography
Veterinary echocardiography is the gold-standard, non-invasive ultrasound examination that provides real-time, detailed images of your pet’s heart. Using harmless sound waves, this advanced diagnostic tool allows our board-certified cardiologists to evaluate heart structure, function, and blood flow without any discomfort to your pet.
Precise Heart Insights for Smarter Treatment
Unlike standard X-rays that primarily show heart size and inside lung tissue, an echocardiogram for dogs and cats provides a dynamic view of cardiac function. It shows how well the heart muscle contracts and relaxes, maps blood flow through the chambers and major vessels, evaluates valve function and any leakage, measures wall thickness and chamber dimensions, and can detect fluid, masses, or blood clots. Board-certified pet cardiology specialists rely on echocardiography because it reveals critical information that physical exams alone cannot detect, making it essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
The comprehensive data from echocardiography guides treatment decisions for heart disease in dogs and cats. Veterinary cardiologists use echocardiographic measurements to differentiate innocent murmurs from serious defects, determine when to start medications like pimobendan before symptoms appear, identify which pets need interventional procedures, and monitor disease progression over time. For breeds predisposed to heart conditions like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with mitral valve disease or Maine Coon cats at risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, regular echocardiographic screening by a cardiology specialist enables early detection and intervention. This advanced imaging provides the detailed cardiac assessment needed to develop personalized treatment plans that can extend your pet’s life while maintaining quality of life.
Unlike standard X-rays that show heart size, an echocardiogram for dogs and cats reveals causes of:
- New Or Louder Heart Murmurs
- Breathing Trouble, Cough, Or Fainting
- Abnormal Chest X-Rays Or Heart Test
- At-Risk Breeds Or Suspected Birth Defects
- Valve Or Heart Muscle Problems
- Monitor Known Heart Disease
- Anesthetic and Fluid Risks
Schedule Your Pet’s Echocardiogram at Coast to Coast Cardiology
Expert echocardiography services available at all locations across Massachusetts and California. Our board-certified veterinary cardiologists perform comprehensive cardiac ultrasounds for dogs and cats, delivering same-day results and personalized treatment recommendations. Whether your family veterinarian detected a heart murmur or your pet needs breed-specific cardiac screening, our advanced echocardiographic imaging provides the answers you need.
Every echocardiogram at Coast to Coast Cardiology is performed by our doctors who focus exclusively on veterinary cardiology. We coordinate directly with your primary veterinarian to ensure seamless care continuity and optimal outcomes for pets with heart disease. Remember: Early detection leads to better outcomes. Schedule your pet’s echocardiogram today.