Cardiac ultrasound at VetTrust: precise, gentle, reliable
Dr. med. vet. Tanja Rietmann
31.08.2025
Cardiac ultrasound at VetTrust: precise, gentle, reliable
Modern cardiac ultrasound: precision through advanced equipment and leading expertise by Dr. med. vet. Tanja Rietmann (cand. CAS Cardiology Companion Animals ESAVS, Master of Small Animal Ultrasonography, Tech)
Why heart health matters
A healthy heart is key to a long and active life. Early treatment improves outcomes. Echocardiography, state-of-the-art technology and specialist skills are essential. At VetTrust we combine advanced systems with highly qualified specialists.
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A healthy heart is key to a long and active life. Early treatment improves outcomes. Echocardiography, state-of-the-art technology and specialist skills are essential. At VetTrust we combine advanced systems with highly qualified specialists.
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When a cardiac ultrasound is recommended
Echocardiography is central to assess heart structure and function. We recommend it if
Echocardiography is central to assess heart structure and function. We recommend it if
- heart murmurs are detected at a routine check
- your pet has cough, shortness of breath, reduced stamina or syncopes
- arrhythmias are found
- a congenital heart disease is suspected
- heart function should be checked before anesthesia
- a known heart disease requires follow up
- ascites is present
- dyspnea or suspected tumor indicates a parallel thoracic ultrasound
Many heart problems develop silently. Targeted ultrasound detects changes early.
Echocardiograms (heart ultrasound examinations)
Why not every ultrasound system fits cardiac exams
Standard systems may lack resolution or Doppler capabilities. The heart is complex and always moving. Tiny changes in valves, myocardium and blood flow require excellent image quality, processing power, suitable probes and modern, including AI-assisted, analytics.
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Standard systems may lack resolution or Doppler capabilities. The heart is complex and always moving. Tiny changes in valves, myocardium and blood flow require excellent image quality, processing power, suitable probes and modern, including AI-assisted, analytics.
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What VetTrust provides
At our specialized sites Zurich Ost, Basel and Zuzwil we perform echocardiography with multiple probes for patients from tiny puppies to giant breeds.
At our specialized sites Zurich Ost, Basel and Zuzwil we perform echocardiography with multiple probes for patients from tiny puppies to giant breeds.
- High-level first diagnoses
- Accurate monitoring and optimal therapy adjustment
- Classification of congenital defects into observation versus treatment groups
- Breeding examinations performed lege artis
How the exam works
Gentle, painless and usually without anesthesia, in a dimmed room on a padded mat. Our team assists positioning and stays calmly with your pet. Duration about 30 minutes. Small areas are clipped, gel is applied, the probe is placed on the chest and images are acquired in real time. Findings are interpreted and discussed with you.
Gentle, painless and usually without anesthesia, in a dimmed room on a padded mat. Our team assists positioning and stays calmly with your pet. Duration about 30 minutes. Small areas are clipped, gel is applied, the probe is placed on the chest and images are acquired in real time. Findings are interpreted and discussed with you.
Dr. med. vet. Tanja Rietmann (cand. CAS Cardiolgoy Companion Animals ESAVS, Master of Small Animal Ultrasonography, Tech)
Expertise makes the difference
Technology delivers best results with experienced specialists. At VetTrust modern equipment and expert clinicians work hand in hand for reliable diagnosis and the best treatment plan.
Technology delivers best results with experienced specialists. At VetTrust modern equipment and expert clinicians work hand in hand for reliable diagnosis and the best treatment plan.
Questions about echocardiography
Contact VetTrust Small Animal Practice Zuzwil. We also offer ECG, X-ray, oxygen therapy and blood cardiac biomarker testing and counselling.
Contact VetTrust Small Animal Practice Zuzwil. We also offer ECG, X-ray, oxygen therapy and blood cardiac biomarker testing and counselling.