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Comprehensive Care + 24 Hour Emergency

Pre-anesthetic Focused Cardiac Ultrasound

Our section utilizes a Pre-anesthetic Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FCU) in selected pets prior to anesthesia. The FCU is a semi-quantitative examination of a small number of views, with the intent of identifying significant abnormalities in cardiac chamber size, systolic function, and valvular competency. This information is useful in the design of the anesthetic protocol. Our doctors might suggest a comprehensive examination by the cardiology team if unexpected findings are observed.

The following clips are examples of the views we assess prior to anesthesia: Right Parasternal Long Axis (RPLA), Right Parasternal Short Axis (RPSA), Left Atrium/Aorta (LLAo). These views give us information of the function and competency of the cardiac muscle and selected valves, and the volume status of dogs. 

Educational videos

Normal Heart

Right Parasternal Long Axis

The right atrium and ventricle can be observed on the near field (top of the screen). The left atrium and ventricle, and the mitral valve are observer on the far field.

Right Parasternal Short Axis

Sometimes called “mushroom” view, from the appearance of the spherical left ventricle and papillary muscles. The right ventricle can be observed in the near field (top and right).

Left Atrium/Aorta

The aorta is observed in the middle of the screen. The characteristic valve can be observed as it closes during the cycle. The size of the left atrium (bottom left) is measured in reference to the aorta to quantify dilation and help assess the risk of congestive heart failure.

Dilated cardiomyopathy

RPLA, Color Doppler

RPSA

 
 
Both videos: The left ventricle is dilated (and with thin walls). Mitral insufficiency can be observed with color Doppler.

Mitral insufficiency

RPLA

Mitral insufficiency observed on color Doppler. Both the left ventricle and atrium appear enlarged.

Left Atrium/Aorta

The left atrium is dilated (> 1.6 the diameter of the aorta).
 

Hypovolemia 

RPLA

RPSA

 
 
Both videos: This is a hypovolemic patient in which the myocardial walls become too close during systole. In some cases the walls can be seen “kissing” (becoming in contact) during systole as the left ventricle empties.

Pericardial effusion

RPLA

RPSA

 
 
On both videos: Fluid can be observed outside of the myocardial walls, as if the heart was “floating”. This represents effusion trapped in the pericardial sac.