At All Pets Animal Hospital, we’re proud to offer in-house echocardiograms, an advanced and non-invasive way to evaluate your pet’s heart health. Each echocardiogram is performed by an experienced All Pets veterinarian with specialized training in cardiac imaging. For the highest level of accuracy, every study is then reviewed by a Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist, ensuring expert interpretation and a clear treatment plan for your pet.
What is an Echocardiogram and Why Might Your Pet Need One?
An echocardiogram (often called an “echo”) is a specialized ultrasound of the heart that allows veterinarians to see the heart’s structure and how it functions in real time. It uses sound waves to create detailed moving images of the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow.
Unlike X-rays, which only show the size and general shape of the heart, an echo provides dynamic information—how well the heart is pumping and whether blood is flowing normally through the valves and vessels. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing heart disease in dogs and cats, and is often paired with X-rays, ECG, and blood pressure measurements for a full cardiac assessment.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Kennedy, DACVECC, DECVECC
Echocardiography can detect a wide range of heart conditions, including:
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Mitral Valve Insufficiency (common in small-breed dogs)
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Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) (more typical in large-breed dogs)
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) (the most common heart disease in cats)
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Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)
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Heart tumors or structural abnormalities
It is also invaluable for monitoring the progression of known heart disease and guiding medication adjustments.
Your veterinarian may recommend an echo after noticing early clues of possible heart concerns—such as a heart murmur, irregular heartbeat, abnormal rhythm, or subtle symptoms. Early signs may include:
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Increased resting breathing rate
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Mild coughing
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Soft heart murmur
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Slight exercise intolerance
More advanced symptoms may include labored or rapid breathing, fainting or collapsing, fatigue, or abdominal swelling from fluid buildup. Cats, in particular, often show very subtle signs, such as increased sleep, reduced activity, or faster-than-normal resting breathing.
Because many heart conditions can be managed more effectively when detected early, your veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram as soon as these findings appear—even if your pet seems normal at home.
What to Expect on the Day of the Echocardiogram
Most pets find the echocardiogram process calm and stress-free. A small patch of fur on the chest is clipped to allow contact with the ultrasound probe. Your pet will lie on a padded table—either on their side or back—while the veterinarian uses ultrasound gel and gently moves a probe across the chest.
Sedation is rarely needed. However, for pets who experience anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend an oral calming medication beforehand to create a low-stress experience.
Who Performs the Echocardiogram?
At All Pets, echocardiograms are performed by:
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Dr. Kendall Madson (All Pets – Bentonville)
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Dr. Kayla Hodges (All Pets – Rogers)
Both doctors have undergone extensive continuing education specific to cardiac imaging. After the scan, the results are sent to a Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist who provides expert interpretation and treatment recommendations.
This combined in-house expertise and specialist collaboration allows us to offer timely, thorough cardiac evaluations—without the need for referral travel or long wait times. If your vet has recommended an echocardiogram or you’d like to learn more, reach out to us to schedule an appointment.