Pet Echocardiogram

Available for dogs & cats at Sabino Veterinary Care in Tucson, AZ

An echocardiogram is a highly effective, non‑invasive procedure used to diagnose heart disease in pets. If you suspect your pet may need an echocardiogram, contact Sabino Veterinary Care today.

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What is an echocardiogram for pets?

An echocardiogram is a specialized diagnostic tool used by veterinarians to assess the health and function of your pet’s heart—the same test physicians use for people. It employs high‑frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create live images of the heart, allowing us to evaluate:

• Heart size and shape
• Thickness of the heart walls
• How well the heart is pumping
• Abnormal blood‑flow patterns or clots
• Condition of the pericardium (the heart’s protective lining) and valves
• Any areas of damage within the heart

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How does a pet echocardiogram work?

At Sabino Veterinary Care, a board‑certified traveling internist brings advanced ultrasound equipment to our hospital whenever an echo is needed. During the test, a small probe is placed gently against your pet’s skin over the heart. The probe emits sound waves that bounce back to form images displayed on a screen, letting us examine the heart in detail.

The procedure is painless and non‑invasive. Sedation is rarely required, but we can provide mild sedation to keep your pet still for the clearest images. A small patch of chest hair may be shaved to improve image quality.

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Should my pet get an echocardiogram?

Heart disease can affect both dogs and cats, and factors such as age, breed, and diet play a role. We recommend an echocardiogram if your pet has a heart murmur, arrhythmia, or other concern, or if they show symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Bluish tinge to skin or gums
• Lethargy
• Fainting or sudden collapse
• Hind‑leg paralysis (in cats)

An echocardiogram provides the detailed information needed to create the most effective treatment plan.

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Schedule an echocardiogram at Sabino Veterinary Care

Thanks to our partnership with a traveling internist, we can perform echocardiograms in‑house without the long wait times common for outside specialty referrals. To schedule an appointment or consultation, call (520) 547-9320.