Echocardiography

Echocardiography for Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets

TL;DR: Quick Summary

Echocardiography, often called an echo or cardiac ultrasound, is a safe, non-invasive imaging test that allows veterinarians to see the heart working in real time.

It helps evaluate:

Heart size
Heart shape
Heart chamber size
Heart wall thickness
Heart valve movement
Blood flow through the heart
Pumping strength
Fluid around the heart
Certain birth defects
Some heart tumors or heartworm complications

Veterinarians often recommend an echocardiogram when a pet has a heart murmur, coughing, trouble breathing, fainting, weakness, exercise intolerance, abnormal X-rays, or a breed-related risk of heart disease.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Dan and the team use echocardiography as part of a complete diagnostic plan to better understand your pet’s heart health and guide treatment decisions with care and confidence.

ELI5: Echocardiography Explained Simply

Think of an echocardiogram like a live video of your pet’s heart.

Instead of taking a still picture, it lets the veterinarian watch the heart as it beats.

Dr. Dan can see:

Are the heart valves opening and closing correctly?
Is blood flowing the right way?
Is the heart muscle too thick?
Is the heart too stretched out?
Is the heart pumping strongly enough?
Is there fluid around the heart?

It is like looking under the hood of a car while the engine is running.

The test does not hurt. It uses sound waves, not radiation.

Introduction

Your pet’s heart works every moment of every day. It pumps blood, delivers oxygen, supports energy, and keeps the rest of the body functioning. When the heart is healthy, most pet owners never think about it. But when a veterinarian hears a murmur, notices an abnormal rhythm, sees coughing or breathing changes, or suspects heart disease, a deeper look may be needed.

That is where echocardiography becomes one of the most valuable tools in veterinary medicine.

Echocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart. It uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart’s structure and movement. Unlike a regular X-ray, which shows the size and outline of the heart, an echocardiogram shows the heart in motion.

This allows veterinarians to evaluate how the heart is actually working.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, echocardiography may be recommended for dogs, cats, and other pets when there are signs of heart disease, breed-related concerns, or unexplained symptoms that may involve the heart.

An echocardiogram can help Dr. Dan answer important questions, such as:

Is this heart murmur serious?
Are the valves leaking?
Is the heart muscle too thick or too weak?
Is the heart enlarged?
Is blood flowing normally?
Does my pet need medication?
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Should we monitor this condition over time?

For pet owners, those answers can bring relief, direction, and peace of mind.

Key Ideas for Pet Owners

Echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound of the heart.
It is safe, painless, and non-invasive.
It uses sound waves, not radiation.
It allows veterinarians to see the heart beating in real time.
It is often used to evaluate heart murmurs, coughing, breathing problems, fainting, and weakness.
It helps diagnose valve disease, cardiomyopathy, birth defects, fluid around the heart, and some tumors.
It is especially important in cats because heart disease may be hidden until it becomes serious.
It helps guide medication choices and long-term monitoring.
Some pets may need repeat echocardiograms to track progression over time.

What Is Echocardiography?

Echocardiography is a diagnostic imaging test that uses ultrasound to examine the heart.

A handheld tool called a transducer is placed against the chest. A small amount of gel helps the sound waves travel through the skin. The ultrasound machine then creates moving images of the heart on a screen.

During the exam, the veterinarian can evaluate:

The heart chambers
The heart walls
The valves
The major blood vessels
The direction of blood flow
The speed of blood flow
The strength of heart contractions
Whether fluid is present around the heart

An echocardiogram is different from simply listening to the heart with a stethoscope. A stethoscope can detect sounds like murmurs or irregular rhythms, but it cannot show why those sounds are happening.

An echo helps reveal the cause.

Echocardiography vs. Regular Ultrasound

Echocardiography is a type of ultrasound that focuses specifically on the heart.

Test	What It Looks At	Common Uses
Abdominal Ultrasound	Liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, intestines	Vomiting, weight loss, urinary issues, masses
Echocardiography	Heart and major blood vessels	Murmurs, valve disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure
Digital X-rays	Chest, bones, abdomen, lungs	Heart size, lung changes, fractures, foreign objects
ECG/EKG	Electrical rhythm of the heart	Arrhythmias, irregular heartbeat

These tests often work together. For example, a dog with a cough may need chest X-rays to check the lungs and an echocardiogram to evaluate the heart valves.

Why Would My Pet Need an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram may be recommended when the heart needs a closer look.

Common reasons include:

Heart murmur
Coughing
Labored breathing
Fainting or collapse
Weakness
Exercise intolerance
Enlarged heart on X-rays
Abnormal heart rhythm
Fluid in the chest or abdomen
Breed-related heart disease risk
Pre-anesthetic heart evaluation
Suspected congenital heart defect
Monitoring a known heart condition

Sometimes pets act completely normal but still have a murmur or hidden heart disease. Echocardiography helps determine whether treatment is needed now or whether monitoring is the best approach.

What Is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard when a veterinarian listens to the heart with a stethoscope.

A murmur does not always mean a pet is in immediate danger. Some murmurs are mild. Some are related to age. Some are caused by heart disease that needs treatment.

An echocardiogram helps determine:

Where the murmur is coming from
Whether a valve is leaking
Whether the heart is enlarged
Whether medication is needed
How often the heart should be monitored

This is especially important because the loudness of a murmur does not always perfectly match the seriousness of the disease.

What Can Echocardiography Diagnose?

Echocardiography can help diagnose many different heart conditions.

Valve Disease

Heart valves act like doors that control blood flow. If a valve becomes thickened, weak, or leaky, blood may flow backward.

This is common in older small-breed dogs, especially with the mitral valve.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, often called DCM, is a disease where the heart becomes enlarged and weak. The heart chambers stretch, and the heart muscle loses pumping strength.

This is more common in large and giant dog breeds.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, often called HCM, is most commonly discussed in cats. It causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick, which can make it harder for the heart to fill and pump properly.

Congenital Heart Defects

Some pets are born with heart defects. These may include:

Patent ductus arteriosus
Subaortic stenosis
Pulmonic stenosis
Ventricular septal defect

An echocardiogram can help identify the defect and guide treatment recommendations.

Pericardial Effusion

Pericardial effusion means fluid has built up in the sac around the heart. This can become life-threatening because the fluid can prevent the heart from filling and pumping normally.

Heart Tumors

Some heart tumors may be seen or suspected during echocardiography, especially if fluid is present around the heart.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension means high blood pressure in the vessels of the lungs. Echocardiography can help assess signs that suggest this condition.

Heartworm Complications

In severe cases, echocardiography may help identify adult heartworms in the heart or major blood vessels.

Signs of Heart Disease in Pets

Heart disease can be obvious, subtle, or completely hidden in early stages.

Possible Signs in Dogs

Coughing
Trouble breathing
Tiring quickly
Fainting
Weakness
Restlessness at night
Swollen belly
Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Collapse

Possible Signs in Cats

Fast breathing
Open-mouth breathing
Hiding
Weakness
Decreased appetite
Sudden rear-leg weakness or paralysis
Collapse
Sudden severe distress

Cats do not usually cough from heart disease as often as dogs do. In cats, breathing changes are often the biggest warning sign.

Emergency Warning Signs

Some symptoms should never wait.

Call a veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately if your pet has:

Open-mouth breathing
Blue or gray gums
Collapse
Severe weakness
Sudden difficulty breathing
A swollen belly with distress
Sudden rear-leg paralysis in a cat
Fainting episodes
Rapid breathing while resting

Breathing trouble is always urgent.

Timeline of Symptoms: When to Call the Veterinarian

Symptom	Possible Concern	When to Call
New heart murmur	Valve disease, congenital issue, hidden heart disease	Schedule promptly
Occasional mild cough in a dog	Airway disease, heart disease, infection	Schedule exam
Persistent coughing	Heart or lung disease	Same day or soon
Fast breathing at rest	Heart failure, lung disease, pain, stress	Same day
Trouble breathing	Emergency	Immediately
Fainting or collapse	Heart rhythm issue, heart disease, other emergency	Immediately
Exercise intolerance	Heart disease, lung disease, pain, anemia	Schedule promptly
Sudden rear-leg weakness in cat	Possible blood clot emergency	Immediately
Known heart disease with worsening symptoms	Disease progression	Same day

How the Echocardiogram Procedure Works

Most echocardiograms are well tolerated.

Step 1: History and Physical Exam

Dr. Dan starts by learning what you have noticed at home.

Important details include:

Coughing
Breathing changes
Energy level
Appetite
Fainting episodes
Exercise tolerance
Medications
Breed and age
Previous test results

A physical exam may include listening to the heart and lungs, checking gum color, feeling pulses, and looking for fluid buildup.

Step 2: Positioning

Your pet is gently positioned so the ultrasound probe can access the chest. Some pets lie on their side. Others may be scanned in a position that is most comfortable for them.

Step 3: Fur and Gel

A small area of fur may be clipped so the probe can contact the skin properly. Gel is applied to help the sound waves travel.

Step 4: Imaging the Heart

The ultrasound probe is placed against the chest. Dr. Dan evaluates the heart from different angles.

The exam may measure:

Heart chamber size
Wall thickness
Valve movement
Blood flow direction
Blood flow speed
Pumping ability
Fluid around the heart

Step 5: Review and Plan

After the exam, Dr. Dan explains the findings and recommends next steps.

Those next steps may include medication, monitoring, additional tests, referral to a cardiologist, or follow-up imaging.

Does My Pet Need Sedation?

Many pets can have an echocardiogram without sedation.

Sedation may be considered if a pet is:

Very anxious
Painful
Unable to stay still
Fearful or defensive
Having trouble tolerating positioning

The goal is always to keep your pet comfortable and safe while obtaining useful images.

Is Echocardiography Safe?

Yes. Echocardiography is considered safe and non-invasive.

It does not use radiation. It does not require surgery. It is usually painless.

Most pets only experience:

Gentle positioning
Cool ultrasound gel
Light pressure from the probe
Mild stress from being handled

If your pet has breathing trouble or advanced heart disease, the veterinary team will take extra precautions to minimize stress.

Echocardiography in Dogs

Dogs are commonly evaluated with echocardiography when a murmur is heard, when symptoms suggest heart disease, or when a breed is known to be at higher risk.

Common Heart Conditions in Dogs

Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease is one of the most common heart problems in dogs, especially older small-breed dogs.

The mitral valve becomes thickened or leaky, allowing blood to move backward inside the heart. Over time, this can cause heart enlargement and, in some dogs, congestive heart failure.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle. The heart becomes enlarged and weak, making it harder to pump blood effectively.

This condition is more common in large and giant breeds.

Congenital Heart Disease

Some puppies are born with heart defects. A murmur detected during a puppy exam may lead to an echocardiogram.

Pericardial Effusion

This is fluid around the heart. It can be an emergency and may be associated with tumors, inflammation, or unknown causes.

Dog Breeds More Likely to Need Echocardiography

Any dog can develop heart disease, but some breeds are more likely to need heart evaluation.

Small and Toy Breeds

These breeds are more commonly associated with valve disease:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dachshund
Chihuahua
Toy Poodle
Miniature Poodle
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier
Pomeranian

Large and Giant Breeds

These breeds are more commonly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy:

Doberman Pinscher
Boxer
Great Dane
Irish Wolfhound
Scottish Deerhound
Newfoundland
Saint Bernard
German Shepherd
Labrador Retriever

Breeds Associated with Congenital Heart Concerns

Some breeds may be monitored more closely for inherited or congenital heart problems:

Golden Retriever
Rottweiler
Boxer
Newfoundland
German Shepherd
Bulldog
French Bulldog

Breed risk does not mean a pet will definitely develop heart disease. It simply helps veterinarians know when earlier screening may be helpful.

Echocardiography in Cats

Cats are different from dogs when it comes to heart disease.

Many cats with heart disease do not show obvious signs early. Some cats have no murmur. Some cats seem normal until they suddenly develop breathing trouble or a blood clot.

That is why echocardiography is especially important in feline medicine.

Common Heart Conditions in Cats

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is the most common heart muscle disease in cats.

In HCM, the heart muscle becomes too thick. This can make it harder for the heart to fill normally and may increase the risk of heart failure or blood clots.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

This condition affects how the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

This is less common in cats today than it once was, but it can still occur.

Silent Heart Disease

Cats may have heart disease without obvious signs. An echocardiogram can help detect disease before a crisis occurs.

Cat Breeds More Likely to Need Echocardiography

Heart disease can affect any cat, including mixed-breed cats. However, some breeds are known for higher concern.

Breeds commonly monitored for cardiomyopathy include:

Maine Coon
Ragdoll
Persian
Sphynx
Bengal
British Shorthair
American Shorthair
Norwegian Forest Cat
Turkish Van

For cats in these groups, especially breeding cats, heart screening may be recommended even before symptoms appear.

Why Cats Need Special Attention

Cats often hide illness very well.

A cat with heart disease may simply:

Sleep more
Hide
Eat less
Breathe faster
Avoid activity
Seem “off”

Some cats show no signs until they are in distress.

Pet owners should pay close attention to resting breathing rate. Fast breathing at rest can be an important warning sign.

Echocardiography in Other Pets

Echocardiography may also be used in exotic pets and small mammals.

Ferrets

Ferrets can develop heart disease, including cardiomyopathy. Signs may include weakness, coughing, difficulty breathing, fluid buildup, or decreased energy.

An echocardiogram can help evaluate heart size, function, and valve movement.

Rabbits

Rabbits can develop heart disease, although signs may be subtle. A rabbit with breathing changes, weakness, poor appetite, or exercise intolerance may need advanced diagnostic care.

Birds and Reptiles

In select cases, ultrasound may help evaluate heart function in birds and reptiles. These cases often require specialized handling and expertise.

Other Exotic Pets

For exotic pets, symptoms can be vague. A pet may simply stop eating, become quieter, or show breathing changes. Early evaluation is important because small animals can decline quickly.

Example Scenario: Older Small Dog with a Murmur

A 10-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in for a wellness exam. Dr. Dan hears a heart murmur.

The dog seems happy and active at home, but Dr. Dan recommends an echocardiogram to check the mitral valve and establish a baseline.

The echo shows mild mitral valve disease with no signs of heart failure.

The plan may include:

Monitoring
Repeat imaging later
Watching resting breathing rate at home
Medication if the disease progresses

Because the condition was found early, the owner knows what to watch for.

Example Scenario: Large Dog with Weakness

A Doberman Pinscher comes in because he has been tiring easily and had one fainting episode.

Dr. Dan recommends:

Physical exam
ECG
Chest X-rays
Echocardiogram
Bloodwork

The echocardiogram shows enlarged heart chambers and reduced pumping strength, consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy.

The treatment plan may include heart medication, activity guidance, rhythm monitoring, and follow-up care.

Example Scenario: Cat with Fast Breathing

A Maine Coon cat is brought in because the owner noticed fast breathing while the cat was resting.

Dr. Dan performs an exam and recommends heart evaluation.

An echocardiogram shows thickening of the heart muscle consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The plan may include medication, monitoring, follow-up imaging, and emergency instructions if breathing worsens.

Early action may help improve comfort and reduce risk.

Dr. Dan’s Diagnosis and Treatment Approach

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, echocardiography is part of a thoughtful, complete approach to heart care.

Step 1: Listen to the Pet Owner

Your observations matter.

Dr. Dan may ask:

When did symptoms start?
Is your pet coughing?
Is breathing faster than usual?
Has your pet fainted?
Is exercise harder than before?
Has appetite changed?
Is your pet hiding or acting different?
Is there a known breed risk?
Is your pet on medication?

Step 2: Physical Examination

Dr. Dan checks:

Heart sounds
Lung sounds
Gum color
Pulse quality
Breathing effort
Weight and body condition
Signs of fluid buildup
Overall comfort

Step 3: Recommend Diagnostics

Depending on the case, Dr. Dan may recommend:

Echocardiography
Chest X-rays
ECG/EKG
Blood pressure measurement
Bloodwork
Cardiac blood tests
Oxygen therapy if needed
Referral to a veterinary cardiologist for advanced cases

Step 4: Perform or Coordinate the Echo

The echocardiogram evaluates the heart’s structure and function.

Step 5: Explain the Findings

Dr. Dan explains the results in plain language, including:

What was found
How serious it is
Whether medication is needed
What signs to watch for
Whether follow-up is needed
Whether emergency care may be needed in the future

Step 6: Create a Treatment Plan

Treatment may include:

Heart medications
Blood pressure control
Diuretics for fluid buildup
Anti-arrhythmic medications
Diet recommendations
Exercise adjustments
Follow-up imaging
Monitoring at home
Referral when appropriate

The goal is to support comfort, quality of life, and long-term monitoring.

Treatment After an Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram does not treat heart disease by itself. It gives the information needed to choose the right care.

Possible next steps include:

No medication yet, just monitoring
Starting heart medication
Adjusting existing medication
Treating fluid buildup
Managing blood pressure
Monitoring heart rhythm
Rechecking the echo in several months
Referring to a veterinary cardiologist

Not every murmur requires immediate medication. Not every heart condition progresses at the same speed. The echo helps guide the right level of care for your pet’s specific situation.

Monitoring Heart Disease at Home

Pet owners play an important role in heart care.

You may be asked to monitor:

Resting breathing rate
Coughing
Appetite
Energy
Fainting episodes
Exercise tolerance
Gum color
Weight changes
Medication response

A helpful habit is watching your pet breathe while sleeping or resting. If the breathing rate rises or breathing effort changes, call your veterinarian.

Benefits of Echocardiography

Echocardiography offers several important benefits.

It Gives Real-Time Information

Dr. Dan can watch the heart beat and see how blood moves.

It Helps Identify the Type of Heart Disease

Different heart problems need different treatment plans.

It Helps Measure Severity

An echo can show whether disease is mild, moderate, or severe.

It Helps Guide Medication

Medication decisions are more accurate when the heart structure and function are understood.

It Helps Monitor Progression

Repeat echocardiograms can show whether heart disease is stable or changing.

It Can Support Safer Anesthesia Planning

If a pet needs surgery or dental care, heart evaluation may help guide anesthesia decisions.

Limitations of Echocardiography

Echocardiography is powerful, but it is not the only heart test.

It may need to be combined with:

Chest X-rays
ECG/EKG
Blood pressure measurement
Bloodwork
Heartworm testing
Cardiac biomarkers
Specialist consultation

For example, an echocardiogram shows heart structure and function, but an ECG is better for diagnosing certain rhythm problems.

Simple Comparison of Heart Tests

Test	What It Shows	Why It Helps
Stethoscope Exam	Murmurs, abnormal sounds	First clue of heart disease
Chest X-rays	Heart size, lung fluid, chest changes	Helps assess heart failure and lungs
Echocardiogram	Heart structure and function	Best for valves, chambers, muscle, blood flow
ECG/EKG	Electrical rhythm	Best for arrhythmias
Blood Pressure	Pressure in arteries	Important for heart, kidney, and eye health
Bloodwork	Organ health and medication safety	Helps guide treatment

Glossary of Terms

Echocardiography
An ultrasound exam of the heart.

Echo
Short name for echocardiogram or echocardiography.

Cardiac Ultrasound
Another name for echocardiography.

Heart Murmur
An abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow.

Valve Disease
A condition where one or more heart valves do not work properly.

Mitral Valve
A valve on the left side of the heart commonly affected in small-breed dogs.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
A disease where the heart becomes enlarged and weak.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
A disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, especially common in cats.

Congestive Heart Failure
A condition where the heart cannot pump effectively and fluid builds up in the lungs, chest, or abdomen.

Pericardial Effusion
Fluid buildup in the sac around the heart.

Arrhythmia
An abnormal heart rhythm.

ECG/EKG
A test that measures the electrical rhythm of the heart.

Pulmonary Hypertension
High blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs.

Congenital Heart Defect
A heart problem present from birth.

Cardiologist
A veterinarian who specializes in heart disease.

Summary

Echocardiography is one of the most important diagnostic tools for evaluating heart disease in dogs, cats, and other pets.

It allows veterinarians to see the heart working in real time and evaluate heart valves, chamber size, wall thickness, blood flow, pumping strength, and fluid around the heart.

For dogs, echocardiography is commonly used to evaluate murmurs, mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, congenital defects, and signs of heart failure.

For cats, echocardiography is especially important because heart disease can be silent. It is commonly used to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other cardiomyopathies.

For ferrets, rabbits, and other exotic pets, echocardiography may help identify heart disease when symptoms are vague or subtle.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Dan and the team use echocardiography as part of a complete diagnostic plan to help pet owners understand what is happening and make informed decisions about care.

Gives a Call

If your pet has a heart murmur, coughing, trouble breathing, fainting, weakness, or a breed-related risk of heart disease, an echocardiogram may provide the answers you need.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Dan and the team offer compassionate diagnostic care for dogs, cats, and other pets using advanced tools like echocardiography.

📞 Call today to schedule an appointment and take the next step in understanding your pet’s heart health.

Because when it comes to the heart, early answers can make a meaningful difference.