Comprehensive Echocardiograms for Your Pet’s Heart Health

At 4 Paws Imaging Centers, we understand how crucial a healthy heart is to your pet’s well‑being. Our facilities in Casselberry, FL, and the Downers Grove and River North, Chicago, IL areas are equipped with the latest ultrasound equipment and staffed by experienced sonographers. Every echocardiogram is interpreted by a board‑certified cardiologist, and we offer stat reporting when urgent answers are needed. Whether your pet needs a routine heart screening or diagnostic evaluation, we provide compassionate, expert care close to home.

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (often called an “echo” or cardiac ultrasound) is a non‑invasive imaging procedure that uses high‑frequency sound waves to create real‑time images of your pet’s heart. It allows the cardiologist to view the heart’s structures—chambers, valves and walls—as well as the pattern of blood flow while the heart is beating. Because echocardiography provides live images of both structure and function, it offers information that cannot be obtained from X‑rays alone.

Veterinarians typically recommend an echocardiogram when an abnormality is detected on a physical exam or X‑ray, or when your pet displays signs of heart disease such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fainting, weakness or a heart murmur. Early detection of heart problems improves outcomes and helps guide treatment.

Why Might Your Pet Need an Echocardiogram?

An echo gives veterinarians detailed information that can be used for:

• Diagnosing and managing heart disease: Echocardiograms help identify conditions such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) and valve abnormalities. They can also detect cardiac arrhythmias, heart murmurs and congenital heart defects
  
• The test evaluates heart size, wall thickness, overall shape and pumping efficiency. Abnormal measurements can suggest enlargement or structural defects that may warrant further investigation
• ‍Screening for heart masses or genetic disorders: Echocardiography can reveal tumors or other growths in or around the heart and is used to screen breeds prone to heart disease—such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (mitral valve disease) and Maine Coon cats (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)—even before symptoms appear‍
• re‑anesthetic evaluation: Older pets or animals with a history of heart problems often undergo an echo before surgery to ensure their heart can tolerate anesthesia. This helps veterinarians tailor anesthetic protocols and keep your pet safe during procedures.
  

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Ongoing monitoring: Pets with known heart conditions may require periodic echocardiograms to track progression of disease and adjust treatment plans. Based on the results, your cardiologist may recommend lifestyle modifications, or other interventions.

What Can an Echocardiogram Detect?

Echocardiography is a versatile diagnostic tool and can reveal many cardiac abnormalities. Some of the conditions it can help identify include:

• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart murmurs and valve disease
• Congenital (present at birth) heart defects
• Pericardial disease (problems with the sac surrounding the heart)‍
• Abnormal blood flow patterns or potential blood cloth.
• Cardiomyopathy and changes in heart muscle thickness

Early diagnosis of these conditions allows your veterinarian to begin treatment sooner and improve your pet’s quality of life.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Echocardiograms are painless and minimally invasive. Your pet will lie comfortably on their side while a small area of fur may be shaved to ensure clear imaging. A sonographer will apply a special ultrasound gel to the chest and gently move a hand‑held probe (transducer) over the skin, directing sound waves that produce images of the heart on a monitor. In most cases, sedation is not required, but mild sedation may be used for anxious pets or to keep them still for optimal imaging

The exam typically lasts 20–60 minutes, depending on your pet’s condition and cooperation. Afterward, the cardiologist interprets the findings and provides a report with recommendations to your primary veterinarian

Our Commitment to Compassionate Cardiac Care

At 4 Paws Imaging Centers, we pride ourselves on providing the same level of care we would want for our own pets. Our state‑of‑the‑art ultrasound machines deliver high‑resolution images, and every echocardiogram is reviewed by a board‑certified cardiologist. We also work closely with your pet’s primary veterinarian to develop a tailored treatment plan and will answer any questions you may have along the way.