Heart disease is a silent threat that affects a significant percentage of dogs and cats, yet it often goes undetected until it’s too late. As February is Heart Health Month, it’s the perfect time to shed light on the value of echocardiograms for early detection and management of cardiovascular issues in pets. With the prevalence of heart disease in pets, proactive care can make a life-saving difference.
Dogs: More than 10% of dogs have some form of cardiovascular disease, and this increases dramatically to 75% in dogs of advanced age. Valvular insufficiency, the most common acquired heart disease in dogs, accounts for nearly 75% of all canine cardiovascular diseases.
Cats: Approximately 15% of cats are affected by heart disease, yet it is notoriously difficult to detect due to their tendency to hide symptoms.
The top five heart diseases seen in pets include:
Valvular Degeneration
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Heart Arrhythmias
Congenital Heart Disease
Echocardiograms are a critical tool in identifying and diagnosing heart disease early, often before symptoms become apparent. This diagnostic imaging technique uses ultrasound to create a detailed view of the heart’s structure and function, providing invaluable insights for veterinarians.
Common Indications for an Echocardiogram:
Detection of heart murmurs (both acquired and congenital)
Enlarged heart noted on x-rays
Coughing or difficulty breathing
Collapse or fainting episodes
Abnormal heart rhythms
Hypertension
Pre-anesthetic screening for older or at-risk patients
Suspected heart-based or right atrial masses
Chest masses or diaphragmatic hernia
Early detection of these conditions through echocardiography can significantly improve outcomes by allowing for timely interventions, tailored treatment plans, and better long-term management.
At SVS Imaging, we understand the importance of providing high-quality, convenient diagnostic services to support your veterinary practice. That’s why we offer two tailored solutions for echocardiographic imaging: