Echocardiogram and Cardiology Consultations in Pacific Grove, CA
Our team is equipped to provide echocardiograms as well as on-site cardiology consultations with our visiting cardiologist. Together, these services help your pet’s veterinarian understand how your pet’s heart is working and recommend the right next steps.
Understanding Echocardiography
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of your pet’s heart. Echocardiography is non-invasive and very well tolerated by most pets. It uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart, showing its structure and how blood moves through it.
This is a valuable test that allows your pet’s veterinarian to diagnose heart disease and make recommendations to you for the right treatment plan.
What to Expect During an Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a straightforward, non-invasive exam.
Preparing the Area
The hair behind your pet’s elbow may be clipped so that the best view of the heart is available during the exam.
Recording Images
We place gel on this area and use the ultrasound probe to record images of the heart.
Evaluating the Heart
The images are used to examine the heart valves, assess blood flow, and measure the strength and health of the heart muscle and chambers.
Reviewing the Results
Your pet’s veterinarian will use the findings to diagnose heart conditions and discuss the right treatment regimen with you.
Why Heart Imaging Matters
Answers About Heart Murmurs
A heart murmur is a sound, not a diagnosis. An echocardiogram helps determine what is causing it.
A Clear Picture of Heart Function
Echocardiography shows the heart valves, blood flow, and the strength of the heart muscle and chambers.
Informed Treatment Decisions
Understanding the cause and severity of heart disease helps your pet’s veterinarian recommend the right care.
What an Echocardiogram Can Show
- The structure and motion of the heart valves
- How blood flows through the heart
- The cause of a heart murmur
- The strength and health of the heart muscle and chambers
Signs of Possible Heart Disease
Heart disease in pets can be subtle. Coughing, breathing faster or harder than usual, tiring easily, fainting, or reduced interest in activity can all be signs worth discussing with your veterinarian. You can also learn about our electrocardiogram and ultrasound services.
Practice Highlights
- Visiting Cardiologist for on-site cardiology consultations
- On-Site Ultrasound, digital radiology, and an in-house diagnostic laboratory
- Regular Collaboration With Specialists, including in cardiology
- AAHA Accredited animal hospital
Schedule Your Pet’s Heart Evaluation
If your pet has a heart murmur or signs of heart disease, we’re here to help. Call our team at (831) 318-0306. We are located at 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 and open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, including during the lunch hour.
Echocardiogram and Cardiology Consultations: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of your pet’s heart. It uses sound waves to image the heart valves, assess blood flow, and measure the strength and health of the heart muscle and chambers.
Is an echocardiogram stressful for my pet?
Echocardiography is non-invasive and very well tolerated by most pets. The hair behind the elbow may be clipped, gel is placed on the area, and an ultrasound probe records images of the heart.
Why would my pet need an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram can help determine what is causing a heart murmur and evaluate how well the heart is working. The results allow your pet’s veterinarian to diagnose heart disease and recommend the right treatment.
Who provides cardiology consultations?
Cardiology consultations are provided on-site by our visiting cardiologist. Our team works with you to coordinate your pet’s echocardiogram and consultation.
How do I schedule an echocardiogram or cardiology consultation?
Call Pacific Grove Animal Hospital at (831) 318-0306. We are located at 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, and open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, including during the lunch hour.
Ready to book Echocardiogram and Cardiology Consultations?
Request a time online or give our front desk a call. New and returning patients are welcome.
