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Now that I got an appointment with a cardiologist for my cat, what will they do with her? What is the procedure to check out a heart murmur? I am totally new to this. Thanks!
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What is the process for ultrasound?
- Thread starter hannahgirl
- Start Date
They are basically taking a picture of her heart. It won't hurt her at all. The procedure is called an echocardiogram or sonogram (I have heard the terms used interchangably).
This link shows/explains the procedure on a human. It doesn't differ too much on a cat.
http://www.heartsite.com/html/echocardiogram.html
Some vets will let you go back to the exam room with your cat and some will not, so you may want to check on that before you go.
They will shave her chest area. As far as I know all cats are sedated for this, as they have to be held very still in a specific position for a bit of time. It is a completely non invasive, non painful procedure that just feels like someone rolling a slippery ball around on your skin but the cats still usually object to the shaving and handling.
I really doubt you'd be allowed to accompany her unless the cardiologist is a friend of yours- the quarters are usually pretty tight and the medical personnel need to be able to do their work without worrying about keeping you calm.
I really doubt you'd be allowed to accompany her unless the cardiologist is a friend of yours- the quarters are usually pretty tight and the medical personnel need to be able to do their work without worrying about keeping you calm.
Hrmm. Missy has never been sedated for an echo, nor do they shave her chest? She did have some "goo" on her from the procedure. She's a sweet girl, though. I would imagine they would have to sedate some of my other cats!
I have not been allowed to go with her thus far, but I am about to switch to a vet who will let me go with her - not because of that specifically, but because I want to switch from an internist to a cardiologist.
Peter didn't have to shaved for his cardiac ultrasound either. I was also able to stay with him. My internist always allows this. He feels its more reassuring for the cats and their owners. I agree!
We will usually let the owner come back with us. It makes the owner usually feel better and the dr. explains very well what he is looking at. We always shave the area for the u/s because the air in the hair shaft can cause some interference on the image, so when they are shaved, it projects a much better picture.
Most cats we can do while they are awake. It usually takes between 30-45 minutes for the appointment. Good luck at your appointment!
Most cats we can do while they are awake. It usually takes between 30-45 minutes for the appointment. Good luck at your appointment!
Nothing to worry about... everyone's explained it pretty well - it's basically the same idea as when a pregnant woman gets one of her unborn child.... I used to assist on various ultrasounds when I worked at the vet and shelter and it's actually pretty cool (at least it is if you know what you're looking at, haha)... we always shaved the area and depending on the animal would sometimes sedate - I specifically remember a really awesome lower abdomen ultrasound on a ferret, haha
