Ultrasound

Did you know that we offer ON SITE ultrasound services?

Imaging with sound waves is called ultrasound imaging, and is the second most common form of medical imaging in veterinary medicine. When an ultrasound examination is performed, a harmless, high-frequency sound beam – not detectable by humans or pets – is projected into the body of your pet. Ultrasound examinations are complementary to x-rays: they are especially useful in detecting abdominal diseases and are often able to provide a diagnosis where x-rays cannot. 

As most of you know, ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that helps us further diagnose and treat your pets' condition(s). Ultrasound imaging is noninvasive and allows us to examine internal organs such as the heart (echocardiogram), gallbladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive organs. It also gives us the ability to diagnose abnormalities that may not be seen with a routine exam or even radiographs (x-rays).

Many times, brief ultrasound studies can be performed without sedation or anesthesia to help us identify and locate tumors, cysts, urinary stones, and even inflammation.  Ultrasound is also useful to visualize and monitor fetal health during pregnancy to ensure the proper development of your pet's puppies and/or kittens.

Ultrasound also allows for safer obtainment of urine samples that must be collected directly from the bladder using a needle and syringe (cystocentesis).  This is because both the urinary bladder and the needle can be visualized during the procedure.

Below is a view of the heart obtained during an echocardiogram.