Your pet’s heart works steadily every single day, and, as with people, cardiac conditions can develop quietly with few obvious signs in the early stages. For pets in certain risk categories, identifying potential concerns before they become time-sensitive is exactly why cardiac screening ultrasounds exist. Dogs with known breed-related risks, cats entering their senior years, pets with a detected heart murmur or arrhythmia, and animals showing changes in energy or breathing may all benefit from a closer look. Understanding this type of screening is a meaningful step in proactive care and can help you stay ahead of changes before they become more serious.
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, our cardiac ultrasound and echocardiogram services are designed to give pet families in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Citrus Heights, and surrounding areas peace of mind and a clearer picture of their pet’s heart health. As a family-owned veterinary practice, we bring our extensive experience and genuine compassion to every appointment, and our entire team is committed to being a trusted resource for your pet’s long-term wellness.
What Is a Cardiac Screening Ultrasound?
A cardiac screening ultrasound, also called an echocardiogram, uses sound waves to produce real-time images of your pet’s heart. Unlike a standard X-ray, which captures a still image, an echocardiogram allows veterinarians to observe how the heart is functioning, including the movement of its chambers and valves, as well as blood flow. This level of detail makes it one of the most informative tools available for evaluating cardiac health in dogs and cats.
It is worth noting that a cardiac screening ultrasound is not the same as a standard abdominal ultrasound wellness screening. Standard screening ultrasounds focus on the abdomen and its organs, while cardiac ultrasounds are designed for pets at higher risk of cardiac conditions. Understanding that distinction is important for determining which screening may be most appropriate for your pet and when to discuss it with our veterinary team.
Which Pets May Benefit?
Not every pet will need a cardiac screening ultrasound, but certain groups are at higher risk of developing cardiac conditions and may benefit from this evaluation. Large and giant breed dogs, for instance, can be genetically predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that often progresses with minimal visible symptoms before diagnosis. Our veterinary team generally recommends cardiac screening for:
- Dogs of breeds with a known predisposition to heart conditions, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes, and Irish Wolfhounds.
- Cats of breeds predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, such as Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Persians.
- Senior pets showing subtle signs such as reduced energy, exercise intolerance, or mild changes in breathing.
- Pets in which a heart murmur or irregular heart rhythm has been detected during a routine wellness exam.
Early identification of a cardiac concern can make a meaningful difference in how a condition is managed, even before symptoms appear. For many pets, a screening may confirm that everything looks healthy, which is also valuable information for you as a pet owner.
What to Expect During the Screening
A cardiac screening ultrasound is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated by most pets. Your pet will be positioned comfortably while a veterinary professional uses a small ultrasound probe on their chest wall to capture detailed images of the heart. Sedation is typically not needed, though it may be recommended for pets that are particularly anxious during the visit.
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, cardiac ultrasound evaluations are scheduled on-site with a board-certified cardiologist, so your pet receives a specialized assessment without the need to travel to a separate facility. If something else is identified that warrants a closer look, our advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities enable a more detailed on-site evaluation by a board-certified radiologists.
Cardiac Screening as Part of a Broader Wellness Plan
A cardiac screening ultrasound is most meaningful when paired with a consistent approach to your pet’s overall health. Keeping up with preventative care and regular wellness visits gives our veterinary team the chance to monitor changes over time and respond early if something shifts. For older pets in particular, cardiac monitoring can be a valuable component of an ongoing senior pet care plan that addresses their evolving health needs.
Cardiac health should not be left to chance, particularly for pets in higher-risk categories. The good news is that with the right screenings in place, many cardiac concerns can be identified and managed well before they significantly affect your pet’s quality of life.
Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness Cares for Your Pet’s Heart
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, our veterinary team is dedicated to providing the thorough, attentive care that pet families in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Citrus Heights, and surrounding areas deserve. With more than 20 years of experience caring for pets throughout the Sacramento region, our family-owned practice takes a personalized approach to each patient. Our Stonebridge team of doctors combines five-star patient and client care with bring board-certified surgical training and extensive diagnostic capabilities, and are committed to helping you understand all the options available to keep your pet healthy for years to come.
If you believe your pet may benefit from a cardiac screening ultrasound, or if you simply want to talk through whether this screening is right for your companion, we invite you to contact our office to speak with one of our doctors today.
