Echo Challenge: Test Your Veterinary Echocardiography Skills

Q: Can I learn echocardiography without an in-depth cardiology background?

Yes. Our Essential Echocardiography Course is designed for general practitioners and first-opinion vets who want to build solid, practical scanning skills.

Q: Do you offer training for whole veterinary teams?

Yes. Our bespoke in-practice training days are ideal for mixed-level teams who want hands-on, case-based learning in their own clinic.

Q: Do you offer abdominal ultrasound training?

Yes. We provide abdominal ultrasound CPD and emergency POCUS alongside our cardiac courses, with options for both individual clinicians and full practice teams.

Echo Vet Solutions
Mar 1
4 min read

Welcome to this month ’s Echo Challenge. Below you’ll find a series of echo images with multiple‑choice questions designed to test your interpretation skills. Click “Reveal Answer” under each question to check your reasoning and read a short explanation. At the end, you’ll find links to further training opportunities if you’d like to deepen your skills.

Question 1:

Based on this right parasternal long‑axis view, what is the most likely abnormality?

Right parasternal long‑axis echocardiographic view of a dog with Mitral Valve Disease showing subjective left atrial enlargement with thickened mitral valve leaflets

A. Normal cardiac dimensions
B. Left atrial enlargement
C. Right ventricular enlargement
D. Pericardial effusion

Reveal Answer

B. Left atrial enlargement
The left atrium appears subjectively enlarged (LA>1/3 LV) and the left ventricle is also increased in size which can be associated with chronic volume overload; the mitral valve leaflets look thickened. These findings are commonly seen in conditions such as degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD).

Question 2:

In this right parasternal long‑axis 5‑chamber view of a cat, what is the most likely diagnosis based on the marked left ventricular hypertrophy?

Echocardiographic image of a cat’s heart demonstrating marked concentric left ventricular hypertrophy consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
C. Pericardial effusion
D. Severe mitral regurgitation secondary to valve dysplasia

Reveal Answer

A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
The left ventricular walls appear markedly thickened, which is the hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. The chamber size is typically normal or reduced, and systolic function is often preserved or hyperdynamic. This pattern is not consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion, or primary mitral valve disease.

Other differentials for left ventricular hypertrophy in cats include:
- Systemic hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Acromegaly (hypersomatotropism)
- Physiological or pseudohypertrophy
- Infiltrative disease (lymphoma)

Question 3:

What abnormality is visible in this right parasternal long‑axis 4‑chamber view?

Echocardiographic view showing a dark anechoic fluid layer surrounding the heart, consistent with pericardial effusion

A. Pleural effusion
B. Pericardial effusion
C. Severe right-sided volume overload
D. Dilated cardiomyopathy

Reveal Answer

B. Pericardial effusion
There is an hypo/anechoic (black) fluid layer surrounding the heart, which is characteristic of pericardial effusion. Pleural effusion lies outside the pericardial sac and and typically appears dorsal to the heart in this view.

Question 4:

What abnormality is visible in this right parasternal long‑axis 5‑chamber view with colour Doppler?

Colour Doppler echocardiogram showing a turbulent jet originating from the interventricular septum beneath the aortic valve, consistent with a left‑to‑right shunting VSD.

A. Subaortic stenosis
B. Mitral regurgitation
C. Aortic regurgitation
D. Left‑to‑right shunting ventricular septal defect

Reveal Answer

D. Left‑to‑right shunting ventricular septal defect
The jet originates from the interventricular septum immediately beneath the aortic valve, which is typical of a perimembranous VSD. Subaortic stenosis produces turbulence in the LVOT, not across the septum. Mitral and aortic regurgitation jets originate from their respective valves and have distinct directions and timing.

Question 5:

What abnormality is visible on this M‑mode recording of the left ventricle?

Right parasternal long‑axis echocardiographic view showing a dilated left ventricle with severely reduced systolic function, consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy.

A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
C. Pericardial effusion causing tamponade
C. Dilated cardiomyopathy with systolic dysfunction
D. None - normal dimensions and systolic function

Reveal Answer

B. Dilated cardiomyopathy with systolic dysfunction
The LV internal diameter is increased in both diastole and systole, and systolic motion is severely reduced. This combination is characteristic of DCM. Pericardial effusion restricts filling rather than causing LV dilation.

Question 6:

Based on this Right Parasternal Short Axis heart‑base view, which interpretation best fits a subjective assessment?

Heart‑base echocardiographic view showing a subjectively enlarged left atrium compared with the aorta; right ventricular papillary muscle visible.

A. Normal LA:Ao ratio
B. Left atrial enlargement
C. Right atrial enlargement
D. Right ventricular neoplasia or thrombus

Reveal Answer

C. Left atrial enlargement
The left atrium appears subjectively enlarged compared with the aorta in this short‑axis heart‑base view. The structures visible within the right ventricle represent the right ventricular papillary muscle and tricuspid valve apparatus, and should not be mistaken for a mass or thrombus.

Question 7:

A CW Doppler trace shows a systolic jet with a peak velocity around 5 m/s originating at the mitral valve level. Which interpretation is most accurate?

Continuous‑wave Doppler trace showing a high‑velocity systolic jet of approximately 5 m/s consistent with mitral regurgitation.

A. Severe aortic stenosis with aliasing
B. Mitral valve stenosis
C. Mitral regurgitation
D. A restrictive diastolic pattern

Reveal Answer

C. Mitral regurgitation
A high‑velocity systolic jet directed away from the transducer is typical of mitral regurgitation. A velocity of ~5 m/s corresponds to a pressure gradient of roughly 100 mmHg, which is common in dogs with significant mitral regurgitation. Other lesions produce jets in different phases or locations

How did you get on?

If you scored fewer than 5 correct answers, this is the perfect moment to strengthen your foundations with our Essential Echocardiography Course. You’ll learn how to acquire consistent images, understand standard views, perform key measurements, and build confidence in everyday interpretation.

If you achieved full marks, well done ! Your interpretation skills are clearly progressing. You may be ready for our Advanced Echocardiography training, designed for GP Vets who want to refine their technique, tackle complex cases, and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Why Echocardiography Training Matters

Accurate echocardiographic interpretation is essential for diagnosing cardiac disease in dogs and cats. Consistent image acquisition, structured CPD, and repeated case exposure dramatically improve confidence, image quality, and diagnostic accuracy. Our courses are designed to support vets at every stage, from first‑time scanners to clinicians managing complex cases.

If your practice would benefit from tailored, in‑practice CPD, you can explore our bespoke ultrasound training options, delivered directly in your clinic for maximum relevance and impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need formal echocardiography training?

If you struggle with image acquisition, standard views, or interpretation, structured CPD can accelerate your progress and improve diagnostic confidence.

Can I learn echocardiography without an in‑depth cardiology background?

Absolutely. Our Essential Echocardiography Course is designed for general practitioners and first‑opinion vets who want to build solid, practical scanning skills.

Do you offer training for whole veterinary teams?

Yes. Our bespoke in‑practice training days are ideal for mixed‑level teams who want hands‑on, case‑based learning in their own clinic.

I am interested in abdominal ultrasound training , do you offer that?

Yes. We provide abdominal ultrasound CPD and emergency Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) alongside our cardiac courses, with options for both individual clinicians and full practice teams. Training can be delivered in‑practice or through structured course days, depending on your needs. To book your bespoke, hands-on abdominal ultrasound or echocardiography training CPD session, or to request further details, click HERE.