We utilize many tools and technology in veterinary medicine these days, which is great—but sometimes, it can seem like a lot to keep up when you’re a pet parent! Here, we will look at a commonly used and highly essential diagnostic tool for evaluating your pet’s heart health: the echocardiogram.
An echocardiogram, often called an “echo,” is a type of ultrasound specifically designed to create images of the heart. Unlike X-rays that use radiation, an echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce a live picture of your pet’s heart, providing a wealth of information with minimal discomfort and risk.
Why Does My Pet Need an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram may be recommended for various reasons. If your regular vet suspects your pet might have heart disease due to symptoms like coughing, fatigue after mild activity, or episodes of fainting, an echo can confirm the diagnosis. It also provides much more information about the function and condition of your pet’s heart than an X-ray or a simple auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) can. This tool is also invaluable in monitoring known heart conditions, helping us precisely manage your pet’s health.
How Does an Echocardiogram Work?
During an echocardiogram, your pet will usually lie on a comfortable surface. A small amount of fur is typically shaved to allow the ultrasound probe to directly contact the skin. This probe emits sound waves that bounce off the heart structures, sending back echoes that are then translated into video images for our veterinarians to evaluate.
These live video images allow us to see how the heart beats and how blood flows through its chambers and valves. It can reveal if the heart is enlarged or thickened, if it’s pumping efficiently, or if there are any abnormalities, such as defects in the heart walls or problems with the valves. Because an echocardiogram is gentle and non-invasive, sedation is usually not required, though some cats may benefit from gabapentin before the procedure to reduce anxiety.
How is This Different Than an ECG?
We hear this a lot, and it’s a great question! An ECG (also called an EKG, to make matters more confusing) is another frequently used diagnostic tool in both veterinary and human cardiology. However, while an ECG is instrumental in evaluating the electrical activity and efficiency of the heart, it’s not very accurate in assessing the heart’s pumping ability. This is where an echocardiogram comes in. Both tests are often essential for a complete understanding of your pet’s condition.
Cross Our Heart
When it comes to keeping your pet’s heart in good health, we’re here to help every step of the way! If you have any further questions about echocardiograms, please don’t hesitate to call us at (949) 432-3221.
