Echocardiogram

[Newgreymom]

Dylan is due for his follow up echocardiogram. It's been 18months since his last one and I can't remember if I did a fast for him or not. It's the weekend, so I can't call to find out. Does anyone know?

[KF_in_Georgia]

I don't know for sure, but there's an informative article about EKGs for dogs. It explains what happens, says sedation is not necessary, and doesn't say anything about fasting, so I'd guess fasting isn't necessary unless you've got a dog who won't cooperate with lying on its side during the exam. In that case, sedation might be necessary and fasting might be helpful.

 

I'm not sure what time your appointment is, but you might try fasting from midnight the night before, then call your vet's office as soon as it opens in the morning and ask. If they say fasting isn't required, you can give Dylan a normal breakfast. If fasting is required, you've got it covered.

Edited February 25, 2012 by KF_in_Georgia

[Batmom]

Fasting isn't necessary.

 

Don't see how you could get an accurate echo if you sedated.

[KF_in_Georgia]

Don't see how you could get an accurate echo if you sedated.

 

The article says:

 

Neither sedation nor anesthesia is needed in most patients; however, some pets resent laying on their sides, and may require some sedation to allow a diagnostic procedure. Sedation also can be advisable if there is difficulty in breathing due to heart or lung disease to reduce any stress associated with an unfamiliar procedure.

 

I'm guessing some vets may have to choose between an "inaccurate echo" and "no echo at all."

[Batmom]

Ours have been done with dog standing or lying down, as dog preferred.

[Remolacha]

Sugar never fasted before hers (wasn't sedated either)

[cleptogrey]

both of my dogs have participated in a teaching seminar where they had echocards. they were midly sedated, a tad stoned is the best description. they were examined on tables on huge foam blocks designed so that the vets could use their tools and examine all chambers of the heart and they were quite comfotable. the older of my two had mild wearing of the tissue around the valve..cardiomyothopy???? it's pretty normal in an 8 year old retired racer. they loved working w/ felix who was just 2 at the time. no problems, fed them breakfast and skipped dinner since they were pretty zonked out. but they were able to get into the back of my 2 door car w/o any problems.