Canine and Feline Echocardiography Manual with the Standing Patient

It is a visual manual on how to perform a cardiac ultrasound for cardiovascular evaluation in domestic canines and felines in a standing position. Many patients who are referred or presented for cardiovascular, respiratory, pre-anesthetic or emergency evaluation require cardiac evaluation with transthoracic ultrasonography which is traditionally performed in the right and left lateral decubitus position. This position, although more comfortable for holding the patient and from which very good cardiological views are obtained, implies in many cases an extra stress for the patient. This situation in patients with ventricular and/or hemodynamic compromise can mean an aggravation of their condition, which in many cases leads to death of the individual. Therefore, it is highly advisable to postpone the evaluation for the sake of our patient's safety.