Pre-Anesthetic Cardiac Screening: What It May Mean and How Imaging Can Help
4 Paws Imaging Centers provides advanced diagnostic imaging — including echocardiograms, ECGs, and Holter monitoring — to help your veterinarian understand what is happening with your pet’s heart. We do not provide primary or emergency treatment; our role is to deliver the diagnostic imaging your vet needs to guide your pet’s care.
Why Cardiac Screening Before Anesthesia Matters
Before any procedure requiring sedation or anesthesia, your veterinarian may recommend a cardiac evaluation — especially for senior pets, breeds prone to heart disease, or pets with a known murmur or prior heart history.
- Confirming the heart can safely tolerate anesthesia
- Identifying undiagnosed heart disease before it becomes a bigger risk
- Establishing a baseline for pets with a known heart condition
- Helping your vet team plan anesthesia protocols around your pet's specific needs
How Pre-Anesthetic Imaging Works
We offer echocardiogram and ECG screening to give your veterinary team a clear picture of heart health before your pet undergoes a procedure.
- Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and pumping function
- ECG to screen for rhythm abnormalities
- A written report your vet can use to plan or adjust the anesthesia protocol
What Happens Next
Results go directly to your pet's veterinarian ahead of the scheduled procedure, giving them the information needed to move forward safely.
If your veterinarian has recommended imaging, or you would like to ask about scheduling, contact 4 Paws Imaging Centers at (630) 746-1382. We see patients by appointment only and work closely with your primary veterinarian to coordinate care.
