At the beginning, in addition to a detailed survey of the preliminary report, a complete clinical examination will be carried out, focusing on cardiovascular parameters.
Cardiac ultrasound is a modern, non-invasive diagnostic technique. Ultrasound can be used to assess the thickness and function of the heart muscle, the size of the heart, and the morphology and function of the heart valves. This will diagnose congenital and acquired heart diseases.
This procedure is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart. The goal is to detect arousal and conduction disturbances and to measure the heart rate.
The Holter ECG offers the possibility to register the heart rhythm for 24 hours or longer. If cardiogenic syncope (fainting) is suspected, the use of a 24-hour ECG is particularly recommended as it may indicate that cardiac arrhythmias are the cause of these syncopes. The device is attached to the back of the animal and the owner can take the animal home. After removing the device, the recorded data is evaluated. This method is used for the early diagnosis of heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathies) in certain breeds (for example Doberman and Boxer). Before the dogs show symptoms, the 24-hour ECG can diagnose specific arrhythmias that may be overlooked during a short ECG exam.
Blood pressure measurement is an important part of cardiovascular evaluation. The importance of blood pressure measurement and the treatment of hypertension have increased in veterinary medicine over the past 15 years.
The ultrasound examination is done with the high-end device ofFirma Esaote (Mylab Alpha) durchgeführt.
With this modern procedure, all abdominal organs are examined closely. The findings are interpreted together with the laboratory findings (blood, urine) and clinical symptoms. Many changes can be detected in good time. Further steps such as surgery, further diagnostics, etc. can then take place. A check-up of the abdomen with ultrasound is useful from a certain age.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity is usually tolerated well by the animal.
The reasons for an ultrasound examination of abdominal organs are: