Pet
Ultrasound
The preparation for an ultrasound is simple, but because pets must remain motionless, light restraints and sedatives may occasionally be required. Some shaving of the chest or abdomen may be necessary, depending on the area of the body that has to be seen by the ultrasound.
What is an Ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool in veterinary emergency medicine. With an ultrasound, we are able to look at the organs and structures inside your pet’s abdomen. Where an x-ray is like a single photograph, an ultrasound is a video. These live images allow us to assess both the structure and function of the abdominal organs.
When is Ultrasound Indicated?
We use ultrasound for a variety of reasons, particularly when a pet has symptoms or abnormal laboratory values indicating abdominal organ dysfunction. This can include vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal / bloody urine, a palpable mass, concerns of internal bleeding / trauma, or elevations in liver or pancreatic enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound is also used to guide sampling of fluid or tissues. Ultrasound can also be used to check for pregnancy or to assess near term fetal viability.
Ultrasounds are painless but do require the pet to lay still on a table. Sometimes sedation is used to facilitate imaging. To improve image quality, the abdomen is shaved and Alcohol or ultrasound gel may be used. Results and a formal report are typically available within 24 hours.
Why would my dog or cat require an ultrasound?
A very helpful tool for assessing internal organs in animals is veterinary ultrasonography. It can spot changes in the heart and other abdominal organs, as well as help, identify any cysts and tumors that might be present. As they show the size, dimensions, and location of the organ, x-rays are frequently used in conjunction with ultrasounds. Ultrasounds are also used to diagnose pregnancies and track development because they allow for real-time monitoring.
What time will my pet’s ultrasound be?
When our doctors at Wilvet South 24 Hr. Urgent Care discovers abnormalities in blood work or x-rays, or to track a disease process, an ultrasound is typically advised. Additionally, ultrasounds can be used to confirm pregnancies.
Veterinary Services
Below are all of the veterinary services we offer at Wilvet South 24 Hr. Urgent Care. If you have any questions regarding our services, please feel free to call us.