An echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound exam that lets our doctors watch your pet’s heart beating in real time. Rather than relying on still images, sound waves bounce off the heart’s chambers, valves, and major vessels to create a moving picture showing exactly how blood flows and how well the heart muscle contracts. Unlike a standard x-ray, this test measures function, not just structure, which is why it is considered the gold standard for evaluating canine heart disease and feline cardiac disease alike. During the exam, a small probe glides across your pet’s chest while a bit of gel improves contact between the probe and skin. Most dogs and cats tolerate the process well, often resting quietly on a padded table while our team captures the views we need. The images are reviewed immediately, so questions about what we are seeing rarely go unanswered.

• Persistent coughing, especially at night or after exercise
• Rapid or labored breathing, even at rest
• Unusual tiredness or reluctance to play
• Fainting or brief collapse episodes
• A heart murmur or irregular rhythm noticed during an exam
• Pale or bluish gums, which can signal poor circulation

If you have noticed any of these changes, or if your veterinarian mentioned a murmur at your pet’s last visit, a heart ultrasound can determine whether the underlying cause is structural, and how urgently it needs attention.

Most heart murmurs are first discovered with a stethoscope during a wellness exam, when your veterinarian hears turbulent blood flow that should not be there. A murmur alone does not confirm disease, since some murmurs are considered innocent and never progress. Grading its intensity and location gives us clues, but a cardiac ultrasound is what tells us whether the murmur comes from a leaking valve, a thickened chamber wall, or another structural cause. That distinction changes how we monitor and treat your pet going forward, and it often determines whether medication is needed right away or whether periodic rechecks are enough.

In most cases, no. Because the ultrasound probe only touches the surface of the skin, the exam is painless, and calm pets can typically be gently positioned on their side without medication. We may clip a small patch of fur behind the elbow to improve image clarity, and we always work at a pace your pet is comfortable with. For anxious pets, mild calming support is available, and your veterinarian will discuss options with you in advance if needed so there are no surprises on the day of the visit.

A cardiac ultrasound gives our doctors a detailed view of conditions that a physical exam alone cannot confirm, including:

• Degenerative mitral valve disease
• Dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Congenital defects, such as holes between heart chambers
• Fluid buildup around the heart, known as pericardial effusion
• Heartworm-related heart strain
• Tumors affecting the heart or surrounding tissue

Each of these conditions carries a different outlook and treatment path, which is why an accurate, detailed image matters so much.

Plan for roughly 30 to 60 minutes from arrival to discharge, though straightforward studies often move faster. That time includes positioning your pet comfortably, capturing several views of the heart from different angles, and reviewing initial findings with you before you leave. Because our imaging equipment and advanced diagnostics stay in-house, you typically will not wait days for results or need to drive to a separate facility for follow-up care. In most cases, you will leave with a clear picture of your pet’s heart health the same day.

• No fasting is required unless sedation is planned
• Bring a list of current medications and supplements
• Note any recent changes in behavior, appetite, or energy
• Arrive a few minutes early so your pet can settle in

A little preparation helps the visit go smoothly, though our team will walk you through anything specific to your pet’s case beforehand, including what to expect if a referral or follow-up imaging is recommended.

Certain breeds carry a higher genetic predisposition toward heart disease. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and other small breed dogs are prone to degenerative valve disease, while Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Great Danes more often develop cardiomyopathy. In cats, Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and other large breeds show a documented tendency toward hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, sometimes without any outward symptoms until the disease is fairly advanced. Knowing your pet’s breed-specific risk helps us recommend the right screening schedule, even before symptoms appear, so we can catch changes while they are still easy to manage.

We generally recommend annual screening for senior dogs and cats, or every six months for breeds with known heart disease risk or pets already managing a diagnosed condition. Regular monitoring lets us catch subtle changes early, adjust medications as needed, and give you realistic expectations for your pet’s comfort and activity level going forward. For pets on heart medication, follow-up imaging also helps confirm that treatment is working as intended.

If we find a structural or functional abnormality, we will walk you through exactly what it means in plain language, not just medical terminology. Many pets go on to live comfortably for years with the right combination of medication, diet adjustments, and monitoring. In more complex cases, we may recommend consultation with a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, and we coordinate that referral directly so you are never left piecing information together alone. For helpful background on how veterinarians approach cardiac diagnosis and long-term monitoring in cats, Cornell’s overview is a solid resource.

We built Parkside Pet Hospital around the idea that pet parents deserve both modern diagnostics and a doctor who remembers their pet’s name. Dr. Rebecca Parker has a particular passion for ultrasound and diagnostic imaging, and that shows clearly on echocardiogram day through careful positioning, patient technique, and a clear explanation of what we find. Dr. Hernandez brings the same hands-on steadiness to any follow-up care your pet might need, so the whole experience feels connected rather than passed between strangers.

• In-house cardiac ultrasound, so you get answers the same day
• Familiar doctors who already know your pet’s history, not a rotating staff
• Softly lit exam rooms and heated kennels that keep anxious pets calmer
• Concierge-style scheduling with transparent, honest communication throughout
• A team that treats every result, good or concerning, as a conversation rather than a checklist