At Wilder Animal Care, echocardiography provides clarity when heart health needs closer attention. This specialized evaluation helps us understand how your pet’s heart is functioning so care decisions can be made with accuracy and confidence.

What is echocardiography?

Echocardiography is an advanced ultrasound examination of the heart. It allows us to assess the heart’s structure, motion, and blood flow in real time. This information helps identify changes in heart size, function, and rhythm that cannot be fully evaluated through physical exams or basic imaging alone.

Echocardiography is used when detailed insight is needed to guide thoughtful cardiac care.

What conditions can echocardiography help evaluate?

Echocardiography may be used to assess:

• Heart murmurs

• Changes in heart size or structure

• Valve function and blood flow

• Congenital heart conditions

• Acquired heart disease

• Cardiac function prior to anesthesia or surgery

• Progression of known heart conditions

Each study is focused on answering specific clinical questions.

How does Wilder approach echocardiography?

Our approach to echocardiography is careful and collaborative. This service is recommended when it provides meaningful information that directly supports decision making and long term care planning.

We take time to explain why echocardiography is being suggested, what information it provides, and how the results may influence next steps. When appropriate, findings may be shared or discussed in coordination with veterinary cardiology specialists to ensure the highest level of care.

What can I expect during an echocardiography visit?

An echocardiography visit typically includes:

Review of your pet’s medical history and prior findings
Discussion of the purpose and scope of the study
Calm positioning and gentle handling
Real time imaging of the heart and blood flow
Clear guidance on how and when results will be reviewed

Sedation is rarely required, and your pet’s comfort is prioritized throughout the exam.

When is echocardiography recommended?

Echocardiography may be recommended:

• When a heart murmur is detected

• If heart disease is suspected

• To monitor known cardiac conditions

• Prior to procedures that may impact heart function

• When symptoms such as coughing, weakness, or exercise intolerance are present

We help determine when this level of evaluation is appropriate based on your pet’s health and clinical findings.

How are echocardiography results used?

Results are interpreted carefully and explained in clear terms. We discuss what is normal, what may require monitoring, and what findings may influence treatment or management decisions. If ongoing care, medication, or referral is recommended, we walk through those options together so you understand the path forward.

What makes Wilder’s echocardiography different?

• Echocardiography recommended with clear clinical purpose

• Thoughtful explanation of complex findings

• Calm, patient approach to advanced evaluation

• Collaboration when specialty insight is beneficial

• Focus on informed decisions and long term heart health

Echocardiography at Wilder provides clarity when heart health matters most, supporting careful planning and confident care decisions.