How to perform basic echocardiograms in small animals – IMV Imaging
In this series from IMV Imaging, Kimberly Palgrave BS BVM&S GPCert(DI) MRCVS presents a series of step-by-step videos demonstrating how to perform a basic cardiac ultrasound examination in small animal general practice.
Please note that the IMV presenter, Kimberly uses the ultrasound marker displayed on the left of the screen and holds the transducer probe with the marker facing towards the patients ventrum/sternum (or towards the cardiac apex). This applies if you are using a microconvex transducer in the abdominal exam mode but if you are using a phased array transducer in cardiac mode this is the opposite to what is done by convention here in Australasia. When using a phased array (cardiac) probe the exam mode preset should be programmed to display the marker on the RIGHT and the transducer probe should be held with the marker towards the patients head/dorsum (or towards the base of the heart). The images of the heart will still be displayed in the same orientation as the ones in the videos if you do this. In the right parasternal long axis view, the cardiac apex should appear on the left of your screen and the base of the heart and atria should appear on the right of your screen. Alternatively you can change the orientation of the marker displayed on your screen by using the soft keys to match the videos