Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Dr Gowri Menon, Mamre Road Vet Clinic, St Marys, NSW
This cardiac probe is designed with a flat, thin surface so it fits between the ribs of the animal. The shape makes it much easier to visualise the heart through a narrow window.
What’s good about it
In addition to an ideally designed head, this probe has a wide, triangular beam. This is good for deep or narrow viewing. It has a small footprint which is ideal for tight windows such as between the ribs. There are only certain ultrasound machines that are compatible with this type of probe, so you need to check with the technician prior to purchase.
It has an operating bandwidth of 2-9 MHz that allows it to penetrate deeper and provide clear imaging quality. The probe has a high frame rate so you can record the rapid beating of the heart. Additionally, the doppler capabilities of this probe are helpful in diagnosing valvular regurgitation, stenosis and other related heart conditions.
We purchased this probe in December 2025 and have been using it for our patients with heart murmurs. It’s a great advantage being able to diagnose the problem before clinical signs of heart disease becomes evident. We’ve been able to start some patients on medication in the early stages of cardiac disease, which improved their quality of life significantly.
Prior to using the probe, you need to attend courses and gain a little experience so you know how to use it, what to look for, and how to interpret what you see.
What’s not so good
The probe is used specifically to diagnose heart diseases and cannot be used for abdomen imaging. Positioning the probe at the correct angle is vital as the triangular beam can cause distortion artefact, which can lead to misdiagnoses. The probe and the service is expensive, so not a lot of clients can afford it. The frequency of use depends on how much clients are willing to spend on their pets.
