Echocardiography
2D long axis 5 chamber image of older small breed dog. The color Doppler shows a large amount of mitral valve regurgitation—one of the most common causes for murmurs in older small breed dogs
2D short axis left atrium view showing a severely enlarged left atrium in a dog. This dog will benefit from starting a medication to improve cardiac function
This cat shows signs of severe dilated cardiomyopathy with a blood clot forming. This is extremely rare and required emergency treatment.
Dr. Dooley has always had an intense interest in cardiovascular physiology and especially how it affects anesthesia management of patients. To better serve patients, Dr. Dooley embarked in completing over 50 hours of continuing education to learn echocardiography through the Academy of Veterinary Imaging. She has used her skills to image Many of these patients benefited from beginning life-prolonging medication after the findings of the echocardiogram.
This service is ideal for a patient who has a new onset murmur, especially if they are going to require anesthesia. If your veterinary practice has an ultrasound with a linear array probe, we can come perform an echocardiogram for your patient. Dr. Dooley can make measurements and interpretations of the images, or you can have them sent to a radiology reading service.
Because Dr. Dooley is not a cardiologist, this service is reserved for patients who developed their murmur as an adult. Young patients or those with suspected congenital abnormalities are referred to a cardiologist for appropriate work up.