The echocardiographic examination is a non-invasive specialized examination, which generally does not require sedation of the patient
It allows you to evaluate the morphology of the valves, the cardiac kinetics and the valvular flows and it is therefore possible to issue a diagnosis of congenital or acquired heart disease. Through serial echocardiographic examinations it is possible to evaluate the most appropriate moment to set up a medical treatment and evaluate its effectiveness over time and modulate the treatments according to the variations found. At the Tergeste Veterinary Clinic in Trieste it is also possible to perform electrocardiographic tracings and the application of Holter monitoring lasting 24 hours, for the evaluation of rhythm pathologies or to investigate patients with transient loss of consciousness.
When to perform an echocardiography?
As soon as a murmur is identified, it is advisable to make an appointment with the cardiologist to perform the echocardiographic examination. Once a diagnosis has been made, the frequency of checks will be defined by the cardiologist according to the severity of the picture. Respecting the frequency of checks and performing a diagnosis as soon as the murmur is identified can allow timely medical or surgical intervention, which can make a difference both in terms of duration and in terms of the patient’s quality of life.
How is an echocardiography performed?
The subject is positioned on a special soft table and provided with a hole through which the operator will perform the ultrasound examination at the level of the patient’s cardiac area. Trichotomy is essential because the interference linked to the presence of the hair does not allow for correctly evaluable images to be recorded. A one-hour appointment is required to perform a full echocardiographic examination, as adequate images and video clips must be acquired. The presence of the owner is extremely important to limit the stress induced to the patient by forced decubitus. His presence, his reassurances and his caresses are almost always sufficient to allow us to perform a complete echocardiographic examination. The duration of the examination is considerably reduced in the presence of cooperative patients. Each echocardiographic examination must be accompanied by a report showing the measurements taken, the suspected diagnosis, any treatment and the frequency of recommended checks.