Hearing that your pet may need an echocardiogram can feel overwhelming.

Is it serious? Is it urgent? What does it actually show?

At Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital, our cardiology team works alongside Emergency and specialty services to provide calm, precise cardiac evaluation when heart health is uncertain.

An echocardiogram is not a last resort. It is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps us understand how the heart is functioning in real time.

What Is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It allows a veterinary cardiologist to:

• Evaluate heart chamber size

• Assess heart muscle function

• Examine valve structure and movement

• Measure blood flow patterns

• Detect fluid around the heart

Unlike X-rays, which show the silhouette of the heart, an echocardiogram shows motion and performance.

It provides clarity, not just suspicion.

When Might Your Veterinarian Recommend One?

An echocardiogram may be recommended when:

• A new or changing heart murmur is detected

• An abnormal heart rhythm is identified

• There are changes in stamina or exercise tolerance

• Imaging suggests heart enlargement

• A pet is experiencing collapse episodes

• Pre-anesthetic evaluation is needed for a patient with known cardiac risk

In emergency situations, echocardiography can also help determine the cause of instability and guide immediate treatment decisions.

“An echocardiogram allows us to move from uncertainty to precision,” says Dr. Ivan Sosa Samper, DVM, DACVIM, Veterinary Cardiologist at Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital. “It gives us direct insight into how the heart is performing so we can tailor care to that individual patient.”

What to Expect During the Appointment

Most pets do not require anesthesia for an echocardiogram. The imaging is:

• Non-invasive

• Painless

• Typically completed within 30 to 60 minutes

Your pet rests comfortably while ultrasound images are obtained. In many cases, results and next-step recommendations are discussed the same day.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Heart disease often progresses gradually. Early and accurate diagnosis allows for:

• Timely medication adjustments

• Better long-term monitoring

• Reduced risk of acute crisis

• Clear coordination with your primary veterinarian

For pets arriving through Emergency, rapid cardiology consultation can stabilize life-threatening conditions and guide immediate intervention.

Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital prioritizes seamless collaboration between Cardiology, Emergency & Critical Care, and other specialty services to ensure no aspect of care is fragmented.

A Steady Presence in Critical Moments

Cardiac concerns are understandably stressful. Our cardiology team provides focused, thoughtful evaluation with the goal of delivering clarity and a structured treatment plan.

Whether your pet is referred for a routine murmur evaluation or arrives through Emergency care, advanced cardiac imaging allows us to make confident, evidence-based decisions.

Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital Cardiology & 24-Hour Emergency Care in Woburn, MA

Expert Care When It Matters Most