Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic study of a cardiac hemangiosarcoma in a dog.

A 7-year-old Golden Retriever was presented for a second opinion regarding a cardiac mass. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated presence of a mass in the area of the right atrium. The mass appeared adherent and possibly infiltrative to the external wall of the right atrium. Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography allowed better visualization of the neoplasia, suggesting that it was not infiltrative and contributed significantly to the decision to carry out the surgical resection of the cardiac tumor. This case report demonstrates the use of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the diagnostic evaluation of cardiac masses in dogs without the need for general anesthesia.