What is an echocardiogram for pets?
An echocardiogram for pets is a safe, painless ultrasound of the heart. Echocardiography for pets is very similar to echocardiography used in human medicine. It uses ultrasound technology to create moving images of the heart and assess how its internal structures are functioning.
A veterinary echocardiogram can help assess:
- the heart chambers
- the heart muscle
- the structure and function of the heart valves
- how effectively the heart is pumping
- the direction and speed of blood flow
Echocardiography may also be referred to as a heart ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound or veterinary cardiac ultrasound.
At Capital Veterinary Hospital, we are one of the few veterinary practices in the ACT offering echocardiography for dogs and cats.
Why might my dog or cat need an echocardiogram?
A veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram if they identify a heart murmur, abnormal heart rhythm or another possible cardiac abnormality during your pet’s general examination.
An echocardiogram allows veterinarians to view the heart’s chambers, muscles and valves in motion. This can help the veterinary team investigate possible heart disease, make a diagnosis and determine whether treatment or ongoing monitoring may be required.
Your veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram if:
- a heart murmur is detected
- your pet has an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm
- your dog or cat is coughing, breathing differently or tiring more easily
- your pet has experienced weakness, collapse or fainting
- an ECG, chest X-ray, blood test or general examination identifies a possible cardiac concern
- your pet has already been diagnosed with a heart condition and needs ongoing monitoring
These signs can have many different causes and do not automatically mean your pet has heart disease. An echocardiogram helps the veterinary team investigate the heart’s structure and function more closely.
What is the difference between an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram?
An ECG and an echocardiogram both provide information about the heart, but they examine different things.
| Test | What it assesses |
| ECG | The heart’s electrical activity and rhythm |
| Echocardiogram | The heart’s physical structure, movement, valves and blood flow |
An ECG may help identify an abnormal heart rhythm, while an echocardiogram allows the veterinarian to see the chambers, muscles and valves of the heart.
An echocardiogram is sometimes recommended after an ECG, but the order of testing will depend on your pet’s symptoms and clinical findings.
At Capital Veterinary Hospital, we perform ECG and Echocardiography at the same time to gain more information about the heart function.
What heart conditions can affect dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats can develop a range of congenital and acquired heart conditions.
| Species | Heart condition | Simple explanation |
| Dog | Mitral valve disease | A “leaky” heart valve that often causes a heart murmur in small or older dogs. |
| Dog | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | The heart becomes big and weak, so it cannot pump blood as well. |
| Dog | Pulmonic or aortic stenosis | A tight, narrow valve the dog is born with that makes it harder for blood to leave the heart. |
| Dog | Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or small holes in the heart (septal defects) | An abnormal blood vessel or small hole the dog is born with that changes normal blood flow. |
| Dog | Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | The heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly, which can cause weakness or collapse. |
| Dog | Heartworm disease | Parasites living in the heart and lungs that can lead to serious heart problems. |
| Cat | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) | The heart wall becomes thick and stiff, making it harder for the heart to relax and fill. |
| Cat | Other cardiomyopathies | Diseases of the heart muscle that affect how well the heart can pump. |
| Cat | Congenital heart defects (valve or hole problems) | Structural problems a cat is born with that change how blood flows through the heart. |
| Cat | Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | The heart beats in an unusual pattern, which can sometimes cause collapse or sudden death. |
| Cat | Blood clots linked to heart disease | Clots that can suddenly block blood flow to the back legs, causing pain and paralysis. |
A diagnosis of heart disease does not necessarily mean a pet is already experiencing heart failure. Some cardiac conditions can be monitored or managed, particularly when they are identified at an earlier stage.
An echocardiogram can help assess how these and other heart conditions affect the structure and function of the heart.
Why do early diagnosis and treatment matter?
Some heart conditions produce few obvious symptoms during their early stages. Identifying changes sooner may give veterinarians more options for monitoring and treatment. When heart disease is detected early, timely treatment and monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of it progressing to heart failure.
Many pets with heart disease can maintain a good quality of life with appropriate care. Their outlook will depend on the condition, its severity, their general health and how they respond to treatment.
Advanced facilities, experienced vets, and compassionate care that treats your pet like family. Book a consultation with our team.
What happens during a dog or cat echocardiogram?
During an echocardiogram, a veterinarian places an ultrasound probe against your pet’s chest to create moving images of the heart.
A small area of fur may need to be clipped so the probe can make close contact with the skin. Ultrasound gel is then applied to help produce clear images.
Echocardiography is generally non-invasive. Whether sedation is required will depend on your pet’s comfort level, their ability to remain still and the type of images needed.
Our veterinary team will explain the procedure before your pet’s appointment.
How should I prepare my pet for an echocardiogram?
Preparation requirements may vary depending on your pet and the examination being performed.
Before your appointment, our veterinary team will let you know:
- whether your pet needs to fast
- whether normal medications should be given
- whether exercise should be limited beforehand
- whether previous medical records or test results should be supplied
- what you should bring to the appointment
How much does an echocardiogram for a dog or cat cost?
The cost of a pet echocardiogram may vary depending on whether your pet requires sedation, a consultation or additional diagnostic tests such as an X-rays or blood tests.
Contact our veterinary team for a treatment plan based on your pet’s individual needs.
Where can I get an echocardiogram for my pet in Canberra?
Capital Veterinary Hospital offers echocardiography for dogs and cats at its veterinary hospital in Phillip.
Echocardiography requires specialised equipment that is not available at every veterinary clinic in the ACT. We are one of the few ACT practices able to provide this form of veterinary cardiac imaging.
Do I need a referral for an echocardiogram?
If one of our veterinarians identifies a possible cardiac abnormality during an examination at Capital Veterinary Hospital, we may recommend an echocardiogram to investigate further.
Access advanced surgery and diagnostic imaging for your patient, and receive clear, prompt reporting straight back to your clinic.
We also accept echocardiography referrals from other veterinary clinics. We will require a formal referral from your usual veterinarian. They will provide relevant medical notes and previous test results to our team.
Echocardiography referrals for ACT veterinarians
Capital Veterinary Hospital accepts echocardiography referrals from veterinary clinics across the ACT.
Our team can support further cardiac investigation for patients when echocardiography is not available within the referring practice.
Referrals can be submitted using our online referral form.
Frequently asked questions
Is an echocardiogram painful for dogs or cats?
No, it is a non-invasive technique similar to ultrasonography in humans.
How long does a pet echocardiogram take?
Usually 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the heart condition and how well your pet cooperates
Does my pet need to be sedated?
Most of the time, yes. During an echocardiogram, pets need to lie on their side for approximately 30 minutes. Some pets may find it difficult to remain still and comfortable in this position.
Noise, movement and excitement can also cause the heart rate to increase or fluctuate, which may affect the echocardiogram results. To help your pet remain calm and comfortable during the procedure, they may be given light, or “twilight”, sedation.
Does my pet need to fast beforehand?
In most cases, yes. Some pets may not require sedation, in which case fasting is not necessary. However, as it is difficult to know in advance which patients will need sedation, fasting gives our veterinary team the flexibility to administer sedation safely if required.
Can an echocardiogram detect heart disease?
Yes, echocardiography is the main technique in diagnosing heart diseases. It combined with radiography of the chest and a specific blood test called ProBNP are the gold standard technique in diagnosing heart diseases.
Can cats have echocardiograms?
Yes, same as dogs, echocardiography is the main technique in diagnosing heart diseases.
Do I need a referral for a pet echocardiogram?
Yes, your veterinarian will submit the relevant information to our team.
Referring veterinary clinics across ACT and NSW can also submit an echocardiography referral using our online referral form.
Reviewed by Dr Ali Ashrafi, Veterinary Surgeon on 5th August 2026.
