The Role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Managing Cardiac Emergencies

center dot In a dog with respiratory distress, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) findings of diffuse B-lines and severe left atrial enlargement provide corroborative evidence for left-sided congestive heart failure (CHF). center dot In a cat with respiratory distress, POCUS findings of severe left atrial enlargement along with diffuse B-lines, pleural effusion, or pericardial effusion are supportive of CHF. center dot In a dog with ascites, the POCUS findings of a distended, nonfluctuating caudal vena cava and right heart enlargement provide corroborative evidence for right-sided CHF. POCUS findings of severe right heart enlargement and hypertrophy are indicative of right heart pressure overload, possibly related to pulmonary hypertension. center dot POCUS is useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. The finding of an anechoic ring of fluid around the heart, right atrial collapse, and a distended nonfluctuating caudal vena cava is diagnostic for pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade and an indication for a therapeutic pericardiocentesis. center dot POCUS can be used to monitor resolution (and detect recurrence) of CHF by tracking presence and extent of B-lines or cavitary effusion.