Getting to the Heart of the matter: For Referring Veterinarians

We know you have many options when it comes to mobile veterinary imaging. PET ECHOS would be honored if you chose us as your veterinary echocardiography service provider. As an extension of your practice, we are confident that we will exceed your expectations and will complement the excellent care you already provide to your clients and patients!

As you already know, early screening and detection of heart disease are one of the keys to prolonging life in your furry patients. Echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice when it comes to accurately diagnosing most heart conditions in Small Animals. Several studies have shown that early diagnosis of some forms of heart disease and therapy with appropriate medical management (i.e., Pimobendan) can delay the onset of clinical signs in these patients-this has been shown in the PROTECT study in Dobermans with occult Dilated Cardiomyopathy as well as the EPIC study in smaller breed dogs with moderate degenerative mitral valve disease.

In addition, you also know that outcomes significantly improve when patients with heart disease are referred to cardiologists. In a retrospective study, pets with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) lived 75% longer when they were co-managed by a primary care Veterinarian AND a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. However, wait times to get an appointment with a veterinary cardiologist are estimated to be 2-4 months in many areas, and many patients with CHF can decompensate quickly during this time frame.

At PET ECHOS, our mission is to bridge the gap between the general practitioner and the cardiologist, effectively impacting survival times. The process is simple. We receive your referral and an echocardiogram along with complimentary blood pressure measurement is performed onsite at your facility. An electrocardiogram may be performed as an additional service. Thru our network of telemedicine specialists, the case can then be managed collaboratively so that an optimal therapeutic plan can be formed and better outcomes realized.