Heart Clinic

Monday, October 23, 9:00 – 3:00

Basic Auscultation: $60 pre-registration / $70 day of
Echocardiogram: $265 pre-registration / $275 day of

Pre-registration begins July 15 and ends September 23.

NOTE: Minimum pre-registration of 18 echocardiogram appointments must be met in order to hold the clinic. Schedule your appointments now!

All dogs tested must be microchipped. After the test, a report will be provided to give to your vet and to OFA.

Beagles take priority with all-breed offered, space available, on day of.

We are pleased to offer echocardiograms and auscultation. Testing will be performed by Ashley B. Saunders, DVM, Diplomat ACVIM (Cardiology). Dr. Saunders is a professor of cardiology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Her clinical and research interests include advanced imaging, interventional cardiology, and innovative teaching.

Appointments will be taken day of, but it is strongly recommended to schedule and pay in advance as appointments may sell out. Onsite registration is pending availability.

For information and to register, please contact Pat Knox Plana at 225-938-9312 or via email to schedule your appointment time. Appointments will only be scheduled once payment is received.

Auscultation

Auscultation is a procedure where the Doctor listens to the sounds of the dog’s heart, using a stethascope. Areas where the vet will listen include cardiac valves, the subaortic area, the ascenting aorts, the pulmonary artery, and the craniodorsal cardia base. The Left and right precordium may also be examined. Because heart disease can develop later in life, results are valid for one year.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram, also known as an echo or cardiac ultrasound, is a diagnostic tool that looks closely at the heart as well as inside and around it. An echo uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images, allowing veterinarians to get an idea of what the heart looks like and how it is functioning in real time. This provides information about the size, shape, and function of the heart, its four chambers, the heart valves, and surrounding structures, such as the pericardial sac.