Ultrasound of a cat's heart

A cardiac ultrasound for cats is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the condition of the heart muscle and blood vessels. It can be used both during diagnosis and treatment, as well as for preventive examinations. This method is more informative than a routine physical examination and radiography. It will help provide a complete picture of the situation if any suspicious symptoms or hidden pathologies are present.

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that allows visualization of internal organs using ultrasonic waves of varying wavelengths. Upon reaching organs or tissues, the ultrasound is reflected back with an intensity dependent on their density. The higher the reflectivity, the brighter the image on the machine's screen.

An ultrasound doesn't harm or cause pain to the animal. A negative aspect of the procedure is the stress the pet experiences during a visit to the veterinary clinic. However, this can be difficult to avoid during treatment. It's important that the cat be accompanied by a person they trust and whose presence makes them feel safe.

When is the procedure indicated?

An ultrasound of the heart may be prescribed for a cat in the following situations:

1. If cardiac disease is suspected, the pet owner should seek medical attention if they regularly observe the following symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, a frequently protruding tongue (normal for dogs, but not for cats), loss of consciousness, or pale mucous membranes. The doctor will perform a cardiac auscultation (examination with a stethoscope) and prescribe further tests to confirm the condition.
2. For prevention. Some breeds (particularly British Shorthairs, Siamese cats, and Maine Coons) are predisposed to heart disease. Also, it's important to visit your veterinarian for preventive checkups if your pet has chronic illnesses, has undergone surgery, or has any life-threatening issues (such as obesity). This will help identify underlying conditions early and prescribe treatment.
3. Before or during surgery. Before surgery, a heart examination is often performed to determine whether it can withstand the procedure, especially if heart disease is suspected. A cardiac ultrasound before spaying can be used as a safety precaution, as the procedure is performed under anesthesia and involves tissue disruption. A cardiac ultrasound is not usually prescribed for cats before neutering.
4. During pregnancy. A cardiac and abdominal ultrasound may be indicated if cardiac pathology is suspected. This examination will allow us to see how the heart is functioning during this period of stress on the body and assess the condition of the fetuses. The procedure will also help make a timely decision about the need for a cesarean section.

Preparation

An ultrasound doesn't require any special preparation beforehand. Because the procedure is simple, it's performed without incisions or other tissue damage. Therefore, no complicated preparations are necessary.

The cat's owner will only need to shave the area of ​​skin where the examination will be performed. To ensure clear visualization of internal organs, the device's sensor must be in close contact with the skin. Hair will interfere with the image and create interference, potentially leading to incorrect diagnostic conclusions.

It's best to confirm the size of the area to be shaved with the specialist performing the examination. Typically, a small area on the chest and underarm is shaved. If other organs besides the heart are being examined (for example, in the abdominal cavity), the pet's abdomen will also need to be shaved.

It will also be useful to trim the cat's nails so that it does not injure the owner and the specialist.

In some cases, when performing surgery or diagnostic testing (such as a biopsy), an ultrasound machine is used as an auxiliary tool for monitoring the condition. In this case, anesthesia may be indicated. This is not because the cat is undergoing an ultrasound, but because the surgical procedure is being performed under ultrasound guidance.

Before such a complex procedure, the animal must be fasted for 12 hours prior to the procedure. The use of anesthetic drugs often causes the appearance of vomiting, which, in a depressed state, can be accompanied by pulmonary aspiration (the penetration of vomit into the respiratory system). This condition is a serious complication and is life-threatening to the animal.

Performing an ultrasound

A cat's cardiac ultrasound is usually performed in a clinical setting, although it can also be performed at home (if the specialist has a portable device). Before the examination, it is necessary to complete all the steps prescribed by your veterinarian.

The animal is placed on a stable surface (a couch), and the owner supports its paws. If the animal is restless, another person will be needed. Therefore, it's best for the owner to invite a loved one to join them immediately. A veterinary clinic employee can also assist.

If the animal is too restless, sedatives may be prescribed. These calm the nervous system, inhibiting its activity without silencing consciousness.

The specialist applies a special gel and moves the device's sensor over the skin, and an image is formed on the screen. The doctor assesses the heart's size, its contours, the condition of the tissues and vessels, the presence of damage, tumors, etc. The findings are recorded in a diagnostic report. In clinics with modern equipment, a video recording or photo of the examination is available for consultation with another specialist (if desired).

Price

The cost of a cat's heart ultrasound will depend on several factors:

• volumes of manipulation;
• the presence of additional research (for example, Doppler ultrasound for a detailed assessment of the vessels);
• quality of the device;
• specialist qualification;
• pricing policy in this veterinary center.

On average, the price is 1000-1500 rubles.

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