Information for Pet Owners
I work directly with veterinary practices bringing echocardiography (ultrasound scanning of the heart) to their clinic.
If you are wondering if your vet could use my service, please ask your vet to contact me.
But if you simply have questions about the procedure, below are some FAQs that will hopefully put your mind at ease.
Worried about how your pet will react?
As I know that pets may be anxious about this new experience, I will always endeavour to keep the environment as calm as possible. Scanning is done in a darkened room with the animal lying on a comfy, padded table, being held by a nurse. In many cases they will become quite relaxed while the scan is done.
Why should my pet have a heart scan?
A heart murmur is the sound which is heard with a stethoscope if there is disruption to the normal flow of blood.
Echocardiography uses ultrasound to look inside the heart.
It allows assessment of the size of heart chambers, ability to contract (pump) and detects the origin and severity of heart murmurs.
Therefore having a heart scan allows us to decide whether medication is needed which may help prolong your pet’s life.
Heart medications are generally only recommended when there are significant changes in the heart and treatment is usually life-long.
If your animal has a heart murmur and a surgical procedure or dental is being considered, the information gained from a heart scan will help your vet when discussing anaesthetic risks with you.
Is anaesthesia or sedation needed for a heart scan?
Most scans are performed conscious, without any sedation.
If sedation is needed, drugs which have a minimal effect on the heart are used.
In the rare occasion that general anaesthesia is recommended, we would discuss this with you.
Do I need to starve my pet before the scan?
Fasting is not necessary for a heart scan, but if the abdomen is being examined then the pet should be fasted from the evening before.
For other procedures that may be performed please discuss this with your vet.
It’s nice to meet you, I’m Julie Todd.
BVMS, Cert VR, Cert VC, MRCVS
I’m an experienced veterinary cardiologist originally from Glasgow, where I studied to be a vet. Later, while working, I achieved postgraduate Certificates in Radiology and Cardiology.
I’ve always loved animals; my last dog (pictured here) was Milly who I sadly lost a few years ago. These are my friendly, geriatric cats: Alvin, the smooth one and Eva the fluffy one.
With over 20 years of experience, I began my career in small animal practices in London. In 2000 I joined a large veterinary hospital in Derby and went on to run the Referral Cardiology Department. I use my expertise in cardiology to uncover what’s happening inside your pet’s heart and provide the best possible care.
