Our hospital offers Echocardiography as one of our many
Cardiology Services. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound
(sonogram) exam of the heart. Many times both radiographs
(X-rays) and ultrasound of the heart are recommended for best
evaluation of heart disease. X-rays show the size, shape and
position of the heart and the ultrasound allows your
veterinarian to see the internal structure and function of the
heart. Echocardiography is very non-invasive and well-tolerated
by most pets. Most pets do not require sedation or anesthesia
but this depends on their temperament. The hair on the chest
wall behind their elbow area may be clipped to allow adequate
visualization of the heart during the ultrasound. Gel is then
placed on the skin in this area and the ultrasound probe to
record images of the heart. Ultrasound produces a cross-
sectional two-dimensional view of the heart by bouncing high
frequency sound wave off the heart. The sound that is reflected
back to the probe is used to compose an image. Because sound is