Cardiac Diagnostic Tests
ECHOCARDIOGRAphy
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It is a non-invasive test that enables detailed evaluation of heart anatomy and function. Advanced techniques such as Doppler analysis allow visualization of blood flow and detection of functional abnormalities. Echocardiography is considered the definitive test of heart disease in dogs and cats. It allows detailed disease characterization and optimization of therapy.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a recording of the heart’s electrical activity. An ECG is performed to diagnose and characterize cardiac arrhythmias and guide selection of appropriate anti-arrhythmic therapy.
physical examination
A cardiac physical examination includes heart auscultation to identify and characterize abnormal heart sounds indicative of disease (e.g. heart murmur). Assessment of pulses, lung sounds, and mucous membranes are also important aspects of the cardiovascular examination and provide clinical information concerning secondary manifestations of heart disease.
chest radiographs
Review of chest radiographs allows evaluation of cardiac size and shape, which can be helpful in characterizing heart disease and quantifying severity. Radiographs also provide important information regarding abnormal fluid accumulation in the lungs or chest cavity (i.e., congestive heart failure), which is the most common complication of heart disease in dogs and cats.
PREANESTHETIC EVALUATION
Pets with heart disease are at increased anesthetic risk. A preanesthetic cardiac evaluation provides important information about the specific risk for your pet, facilitating informed decision-making and the development of a specific anesthetic protocol to minimize risk.
Holter monitor
A Holter monitor is a device that monitors and records the heart’s electrical rhythm over an extended period (i.e., usually 24 hours). The Holter monitor is placed on the patient at the vet clinic and then worn at home during normal daily activities. A Holter monitor enables the identification and characterization of arrhythmias and response to anti-arrhythmic medications. It is also useful in determining the cause of fainting episodes.
