Amanda Lawler, DVM- Practice Limited to Cardiology
Dr. Amanda Lawler is originally from New Jersey and earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Sciences and Biological Sciences from Rutgers University in 2011. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 2016. Dr. Lawler completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital, where she went on to pursue a specialty internship followed by a three-year cardiology residency. After completing her residency, she remained on staff at Oradell for four additional years, working closely with the emergency and specialty teams to provide advanced, compassionate care. She decided that after almost 10 years, she wanted to take on a new journey. She has since founded her own consulting business with the goal of expanding access to high-quality cardiology care within the veterinary community. Dr. Lawler is happily married to her husband, Bryan, and together they have two sons, Jonathan and Matthew. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and taking trips to the Poconos or the beach.
Echocardiogram
Echocardiography, often referred to as a cardiac ultrasound, is a specialized, non-invasive imaging modality essential for the comprehensive evaluation of the heart’s structure and function. This advanced diagnostic tool utilizes high-frequency sound waves to generate real-time, dynamic images of the cardiac chambers, valves, walls, and associated great vessels, providing critical information without the use of radiation.
The procedure involves the use of a transducer placed on the patient’s chest to obtain multiple standardized views of the heart. A complete echocardiogram incorporates several key modalities: two-dimensional imaging to assess cardiac anatomy and wall motion; M-mode for precise measurements of chamber dimensions and wall thickness; and Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate the direction, velocity, and character of blood flow, which is vital for detecting valvular insufficiency, stenosis, or congenital shunts. This allows for the diagnosis of conditions such as cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion, congenital heart defects, and hypertension.
Obtaining diagnostic-quality images requires the patient to remain in specific, often prolonged, lateral recumbency positions. Even minor patient movement or anxiety can significantly compromise the clarity of the study. Consequently, a light plane of sedation is standard protocol for most canine and feline echocardiograms to ensure complete relaxation and immobility. This sedation is carefully selected and dosed for cardiovascular safety, and patients are continuously monitored throughout the procedure. While the echocardiogram itself may take 30 to 45 minutes, the effects of the sedation are brief, with patients typically recovering fully shortly after the examination concludes. The detailed data acquired is indispensable for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and guiding medical management of cardiac disease.
To schedule a consultation for your pet, call us at (862)-832-2710.
