Complete Guide: What Happens During a Dog Echocardiogram

Learning that your vet suspects your dog might have a heart condition can be worrying. Heart problems in dogs vary widely — from mild issues to severe, life-threatening conditions. To accurately diagnose and understand the severity of your dog's heart health, your vet may recommend several diagnostic tests, including an echocardiogram.

This comprehensive guide explains what a dog echocardiogram is, how it's performed, what equipment is used, and what you and your dog can expect throughout the process in the UK in 2025. Understanding this will help you prepare and feel more confident about your dog’s heart assessment.

What is a Dog Echocardiogram and What Is It Used For?

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound scan of the heart. It employs high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the heart’s structures to create live images on a monitor. This allows your vet or veterinary cardiologist to assess your dog's heart anatomy and function clearly.

It helps detect abnormalities such as valve defects, thickening of heart walls, chamber enlargement, or other degenerative changes. Echocardiograms are essential for diagnosing conditions like congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects. They also guide treatment planning and monitor how well your dog responds to therapies.

For dogs with known heart issues, an echocardiogram may be performed before procedures requiring anaesthesia to evaluate heart strength and adjust sedation safely.

Essential Equipment Used in a Dog Echocardiogram

The key piece of equipment is the veterinary ultrasound machine designed specifically for cardiac imaging. This includes:

• A high-frequency ultrasound transducer (probe) tailored for capturing heart images through the chest wall.
• Doppler imaging capabilities such as Color Doppler and Pulse Wave Doppler to study blood flow and valve function.
• Ultrasound gel is applied on the dog's chest to ensure optimal contact and transmission of sound waves.
• Sometimes, shaving tools are used to gently clip a small patch of fur if the dog's coat is thick.
• Mild sedation supplies may be prepared for anxious dogs, although most dogs do not require sedation.

Modern machines available in UK clinics offer high-quality, detailed cardiac imaging, ensuring accurate assessment with minimal discomfort.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your Dog’s Echocardiogram

Step 1: Preparation

Your dog usually does not need to fast or change medications before the echocardiogram. Your vet will advise if any specific instructions are necessary based on your dog's health.

Try to keep your dog calm before the appointment to reduce stress. Avoid applying lotions or topical products on their chest area for clear imaging.

Step 2: Arrival and Positioning

On arrival, your dog will be gently positioned, usually lying on their side, on a padded examination table. Most dogs remain awake, but mild sedation can be used if your dog is nervous or uncooperative.

Step 3: Applying the Gel and Imaging

The vet applies ultrasound gel to your dog’s chest to improve sound wave transmission. If needed, a small area may be clipped to ensure good probe contact.

The ultrasound probe is moved gently over the chest, capturing images of the heart from multiple angles. The procedure usually lasts about 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: During the Scan

The vet observes heart chambers, valves, pumping action, and blood flow. Doppler imaging helps assess the function of valves and detect any leaks or obstructions.

Your dog’s heart rate and rhythm are monitored during the procedure, and other tests like an ECG or blood pressure measurement may be performed concurrently for comprehensive evaluation.

Step 5: After the Procedure

The gel is wiped off, and your dog can usually resume normal activities immediately unless sedated. The vet or cardiologist reviews the images and discusses findings and next steps with you after the scan.

Type of Echocardiograms and Specialist Equipment

There are several types of echocardiograms depending on clinical needs:

• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): The standard, non-invasive surface scan performed most commonly.
• Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): An advanced technique using a probe placed in the oesophagus for clearer images, mainly in specialist clinics.
• Doppler Echocardiography: Assesses blood flow within the heart.

Your vet will advise which type best suits your dog’s diagnosis. Many local practices perform standard TTEs, but referral to a specialist cardiologist may be recommended for complex cases.

Can Any Vet Perform an Echocardiogram?

Most medium to large veterinary clinics in the UK have ultrasound machines capable of basic echocardiography. However, full cardiac assessments frequently require specialist interpretation.

Your vet might refer you to a specialist cardiologist or a clinic with advanced equipment for a thorough examination.

Some clinics collaborate with remote cardiologists, sending scans for expert review. Your vet will explain costs, treatment options, and follow-up plans accordingly.

Why Is an Echocardiogram Important for Your Dog’s Heart Health?

Heart disease in dogs can progress silently without obvious symptoms at first. Echocardiography allows early detection and detailed evaluation of heart health, which is critical for timely and effective intervention.

Regular monitoring of cardiac conditions with echocardiograms helps vets tailor treatments and improve outcomes, significantly boosting your dog’s quality and length of life.

Summary and Next Steps

Dog echocardiograms are safe, non-invasive, and essential tools for diagnosing heart conditions. They provide vital information to veterinarians, enabling precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of heart disease in dogs.

Preparing your dog with minimal fuss, understanding what to expect during the procedure, and seeking care from experienced vets or specialists will ensure your dog receives the best possible cardiac care.

If your vet has recommended an echocardiogram, consult with them about local services and specialist referrals. Early diagnosis and expert management can make a profound difference in your pet’s health journey.

Responsible pet ownership includes attentive health care. Accompany your dog through scheduled vet visits and procedures like echocardiograms to safeguard their wellbeing.