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Low Cost Echocardiogram For Cats

Diagnosis Of Heart Disease

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It is important to work with a veterinarian who has advanced training in cardiology and access to the high tech equipment necessary to properly diagnose heart disease.

  • Blue Springs Animal Hospital has invested in state of the art digital radiography to capture high definition radiographic images of the lungs, heart, and major vessels.
  • For echocardiograms we are equipped with a GE LOGIQe veterinary ultrasound with superior quality digital images, color flow doppler, and video capture.
  • Our veterinarians have undergone training with a board certified cardiologist and can provide echocardiograms on adult dogs.
  • On challenging cases we can capture high def images and video and transmit them to a board certified cardiologist for consultation.
  • In certain cases we may arrange for a board certified cardiologist to perform an exam and echocardiogram at our hospital.
  • EKG including Holter monitoring is available. EKGs are verified with a board certified cardiologist.

Cardiac Radiology

Radiographs provide information on heart size, shape, and position. Abnormalities indicate specific changes within the heart due to heart disease.

Radiographs also allow visualization of the lungs and indicate whether fluid is backing up from the heart into the lungs due to heart failure.

The high def images captured with our equipment allow visualization of more subtle or early changes than low def images captured on standard radiology equipment.

Echocardiography

What Is An Echocardiogram Used For

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to generate live images of the heart. It allows visualization of the structures of the heart. The echocardiogram results can provide crucial information about heart health and function, specifically:

  • Size of the heart
  • The thickness of the heart walls
  • The shape of the heart
  • Determine the efficiency of the pumping action and pumping capacity of the heart
  • Any abnormalities in the blood flow pattern
  • Blood clots that may be present
  • Any abnormalities in the heart valves
  • Any abnormalities in the pericardium and the fluid inside the sac
  • Whether there is damage to any area of the heart

In addition to allowing a veterinary cardiologist to evaluate the action of the heart in real-time, an echocardiogram can also be used to monitor and assess how effectively specific treatments or medications are helping or if there is a need to change the dosage as well as add or change medications.

How Much Does An Echocardiogram For A Cat Cost

Although there are numerous causes of heart murmurs in cats, the most common feline cardiac disease is cardiomyopathy. This disease affects the heart muscle and, over time, triggers it to enlarge, causing damage and becoming less proficient at pumping blood. During a physical exam, a veterinarian will listen intently to your cats heart with an amplified stethoscope, and he or she will then try to determine the cause of the murmur in order to provide enhanced treatment.

A cardiac ultrasound, known as an echocardiogram, or an echo, is needed to exclude progressive heart disease. It quantifies the hearts wall thickness and determines the chamber sizes. It can also identify motion to study the hearts capability to circulate blood. Most cardiac problems in cats can be cured if detected prematurely.

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What You Should Know Before Bringing Your Pet To Penny Paws

Penny Paws has four full-service clinics, three of them having dog boarding facilities, and also offer affordable pet vaccinations at their mobile locations on the weekends. Be sure to follow Penny Paws on Facebook to receive updates on when the mobile vaccinations clinic will be in your neighborhood next!

You do not necessarily need an appointment for our clinics, we do accept walk-ins but if your animal is sick, it is recommended to have a scheduled appointment in order to see one of our experienced veterinarians.

Owners should also note that prices for services and surgeries vary depending on the weight and size of your pet and the extent of medical attention they may need due to their condition. Our veterinarians and staff will be sure to brief you on all costs and fees before proceeding with the treatment recommended for your animal. For payment, we accept cash, credit cards, and payment plans through Care Credit or Scratchpay. If you have any questions regarding this, our staff and receptionists can answer them at your appointment, or by phone call today.

Contact us at any of our clinic locations or mobile pet vaccinations locations today for more information on our services or to book your appointment!

How Cat Ultrasound Is Performed

ECHO Bear Cat PW3000 Pressure Washer  RTR Power Equipment

Performing the ultrasound on your feline is easy, harmless, and painless as well. But since you cant explain this to your cat, you may not be able to keep it calm the entire procedure. This is why some of them are given sedatives to keep the process smooth.

Ultrasound starts with kittys fur being shaved off in order to get better contact and image between the skin and the probe, which is the stick-like equipment with a rounded head attached to a wire that produces soundwaves and also receives the 3d image. Your pet is also placed in a soft padded crib for comfort and convenience.

Then, the skin is applied with alcohol and ultrasound gel and the photographing occurs. This takes about 20-30 minutes long.

Once it is done, the kitty is cleaned up to remove any gel and dirt residue.

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Veterinary Ultrasound / Echocardiogram Services In Texas

There are times when we need to take a closer look at your pets internal organs to find out why he is sick. The veterinarians may recommend an ultrasound. This is where we use soundwaves and a special machine . This helps us to look at your pets organs in very fine detail to see how they look and how they are functioning.

If your pet has a heart problem, we may recommend an echocardiogram. This is where we use highly specialized technology to look at your pets heart and to see how his ticker is ticking! This helps us to know what treatment is best for your pets health.

What Is A Holter Ecg

A Holter ECG, or Holder monitor, is an ambulatory or portable cardiac monitor that is wrapped around a dogs torso. It records heart activity for 24 to 72 hours. The results are then evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist. Its worn like a halter, and your pet wont feel any discomfort while wearing the Holter ECG. Most dogs continue with their daily routine without any problems or discomfort.

The Holter monitor is especially important for dogs that experience frequent fainting spells. It can show whether fainting is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm . If your pet has been diagnosed with an arrhythmia, a Holter ECG can help determine the frequency and severity of the arrhythmia throughout the period its attached to your pet.

In a nutshell, an ECG for pets is only a part of a diagnostic plan that veterinarians perform when a cardiac irregularity is suspected. If you have any questions and/or concerns about the procedure, dont hesitate to discuss them with your vet.

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How Long Do Cats Live With Heart Murmurs

While heart murmurs can be normal in younger cats, some older or middle-aged cats develop a severe form of heart disease often diagnosed by an echocardiogram. The life expectancy of a cat with heart murmurs depends on the severity of the condition. Many cats show no adverse effects from heart murmurs and live a normal long life. If the disease is mild, the cat may not need any treatment until it becomes severe.

Cats with severe heart murmur accompanied by other conditions can also live for years if they respond to treatment. Different types of heart murmur can be diagnosed based on the echocardiogram results and the exact treatment varies for individual cats. While you can expect your cat to live its life span with heart murmur, the life expectancy reduces to about 6-18 months if it develops congestive heart failure from heart murmur.

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Dr. Nelson was so sweet and patient through all of my questions. The staff here are amazing and genuinely care about the animals. Dr. Nelson and the vet tech both got on the floor with my dog to make her feel more comfortable. It was half the price of our old vet and the care was WAY better. This will definitely be the only vet we visit from now on.

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I absolutely love Penny Paws at Basswood Crossing! I have 3 cats and 2 dogs and have been taking them all there for about 2 years now. We usually just go to the Saturday clinics for shots, but the entire staff still remembers all of my animals each time! Theyre such a great group of people and truly love animals there. Ive lived all over the US and have never found a vets office that is so loving.

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Heart Diseases In The Dog

Approximately one in ten dogs will develop some form of heart disease during their lifetime, and approximately 80% of the heart disease is due to primary mitral valve disease . Valve disease is frequently diagnosed in small breed dogs, especially Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, Schnauzers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and small terrier breeds.

Valve disease is potentially a very manageable heart condition with proper diagnosis and treatment. Therefore our cardiology services focus heavily on identifying and treating patients with valve disease.

Other less common heart diseases in dogs include:

  • Primary disease of the heart muscle, called cardiomyopathy. It is a relatively uncommon condition which mainly affects medium to large breed dogs, especially Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Dobermans, and Great Danes
  • Congenital malformations of the heart or major vessels, including patent ductus arteriosis, subaortic or subpulmonic stenosis, and ventricular septal defects. Congential heart conditions are often incidental findings which cause no problem. Occasionally they severely impair heart function and can lead to heart failure.
  • Heartworm disease, caused by infection of heartworms from a mosquito bite. All dogs in this part of the country should be on a preventative year around to prevent heartworm infection.
  • Cancerous tumors of the heart or surrounding tissues

A Pet Echocardiogram Gives Us A Complete Picture Of Your Pets Heart

A pet echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of your pets heart.

It provides a more objective picture than an x-ray.

It allows our vets to see whether there are any abnormalities in the heart. Then, we can determine a clear course of action.

For example, lets say your cats heart murmur is innocent.

Your cat has been having kidney issues, though.

We can be more aggressive in our treatment of your cats kidneys because we know your furry friends heart is okay.

In need of a pet echocardiogram?

If you live in Castle Rock or in the Denver area, please call us at 303-688-3757 or:

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Do I Need To Withhold Food And Water Before My Pets Echocardiogram

No. Although, if mild sedation is required, it is best that your pet doesnt eat a large meal before an echocardiogram. Therefore, we recommend your pet only eat and drink a small amount prior to their appointment. It is especially important not to withhold water from animals that are receiving heart medications.

Cat Echocardiogram How Long Do Cats Live With Heart Murmurs

ECHO Bear Cat 8"  Debris Loader

Cats inherit a survival instinct from their ancestors they are great at hiding health issues. They hide heart problems as well, which means the problem can easily become life-threatening before getting noticed. 10 to 15 percent of cats suffer from some type of heart disease and it is difficult to see signs until they are in severe pain or trouble.

Heart murmurs and other cardiac problems often call for echocardiograms. It is a cardiac screening test used to identify abnormalities and problems in the heart function. Though the procedure is simple, a lot of cat owners are concerned about their pets safety and health. In this post, let us try to learn more about cat echocardiograms and discuss in detail the life expectancy of cats with heart murmurs.

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Echocardiogram For A Cat Overview

Included in the cost estimates will be the cardiac ultrasound, the generated results, analysis, and a final diagnosis made by the vet.

During this procedure, the vet will be able to examine the cats internal organs. This non-invasive test is commonly used to look into organs such as the heart and reproductive organs. An echocardiogram is often prescribed when an x-ray may spot something, but the vet cant look more in depth. The chest hair may need to be clipped, depending on the hair length.

For most problems, a vet will recommend an x-ray, ultrasound and the echocardiogram. The x-ray will be able to show the shape, size and position of the heart, while the ultrasound will allow the vet to see inside the heart. The echocardiogram cant examine the lungs, but it will be necessary if the ultrasound and/or x-rays show a suspicion of congenital or acquired heart disease.

Sedation wont be required and is relatively painless for all cats.

It should take 30 to 60 minutes however, if the heart valves need to be measured, additional time may be needed.

Wellness Breed Screen Clinic

  • For apparently healthy dogs and cats known to have an increased risk of heart disease
  • Must not have a known murmur or any signs of heart disease
  • Must not be pregnant, nursing or in heat
  • Offered one day a month
  • The reduced cost screening will only be available during the scheduled screening clinic
  • Animals that require sedation to complete an echocardiogram are not eligible for the reduced cost screening clinics, but are welcome to make a regular appointment with cardiology by contacting 979-845-2351 or . A referral is not needed for the clinic.
  • To find out more information and/or register for an upcoming clinic, please contact Kathy Glaze at 979-845-2351 or .
  • No upcoming clinic dates available at this time.

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Factors That Influence The Echocardiogram Cost

The costs of the echocardiogram test will be influenced by several factors including:

  • Your geographical location if you live in certain metropolitan areas such as New York, the cost may be higher. On the other hand, if you live in an area where a pet ultrasound devices are not available on site in all vet clinics, you may also end up paying more
  • The fees of the vet
  • The types of device used if the devices are more up to date, the cost can be slightly higher
  • Whether anesthesia is needed in most cases, anesthesia is not needed, but if the dog is not cooperative and is too agitated to sit through the test, the vet will choose to use a sedative or anesthetic, to be able to perform the ultrasounds

If the test is required on an emergency basis, the costs may also be slightly higher.

You may also go to an animal shelter and ask for the cost of an echocardiogram. The costs may be lower or they may even perform the test for free, depending on whether they have an ultrasound device on site and whether they are able to perform the test when you need it.

Cardiac Ultrasound For Your Pets Heart Health

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At Eagle Animal Hospital and Pet Resort, were dedicated to providing our canine and feline patients with the very best care using the most innovative technologies available. An echocardiogram, often referred to simply as cardiac ultrasound, is a highly informative, non-invasive procedure that allows our veterinarians to evaluate the anatomy and function of your pets heart. The ultrasound waves allow your vet to see inside the heart, which is essential for accurately diagnosing heart conditions common in dogs and cats.

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What Are The Extra Costs

Most regular veterinarians are not that great with the high-tech echocardiogram interpretations. Therefore, consulting a cardiologist is a sound idea in order to acquire a diagnosis. Most vets are quite knowledgeable at managing heart cases once they are diagnosed. Since people have to travel more than a couple of hours for specialty services, having a veterinary cardiologist at your regular vet clinic is an absolute luxury, but it will not come free.

Most veterinarians will complete an x-ray procedure prior to suggesting an ultrasound. This will be done after completing a physical examination, and these visits will require an additional fee as well. X-rays can start at $150 and go up from there.

Is It Necessary To Shave My Cat’s Hair

In most cases, the fur must be shaved to perform an ultrasound examination. Since ultrasound waves are not transmitted through air, it is imperative that the hand-held probe makes complete contact with the skin. In some cases, such as pregnancy diagnosis, it may be possible to get adequate images by moistening the hair with rubbing alcohol and applying a copious amount of water-soluble ultrasound gel. However, in all cases the ultrasound images will be of better quality if the area to be examined is shaved.

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Abnormal Blood Or Urine Test Results

If your veterinarian finds abnormalities in your pets blood or urine tests, they may recommend an abdominal ultrasound.

Abdominal ultrasounds allow for the visualization of the internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, urinary bladder, etc., to determine the cause for the abnormalities.

The cost for an abdominal ultrasound is approximately $300-$350 with a general practice veterinarian and $400-$500 with a specialist.

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