What is Ultrasound for Pets?

Ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic tool which creates images of the inside of your pet’s body. Just as in humans, it uses safe, high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal structures, creating detailed images of organs, tissues, and vessels. This allows our veterinarian to diagnose and monitor various health conditions in your pet without the need for surgery. Often, ultrasound for pets speeds up the time it takes to make a diagnosis to allow for critical necessary treatment.

How Does Ultrasound for Pets Work?

During an ultrasound procedure, a handheld device called a transducer is placed on your pet’s skin, typically over the area of interest. The transducer emits sound waves that penetrate the body and echo back to the transducer. These echoes are converted into real-time images displayed on a monitor. Ultrasound for pets is a painless procedure and usually does not require sedation, making it safe for pets of all ages and conditions.

Benefits of Ultrasound for Pets

1. Non-Invasive and Painless: Ultrasound does not involve any surgical procedures, reducing stress and discomfort for your pet. It’s a painless process that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your pet’s internal organs and tissues.
2. Immediate Results: Ultrasound for pets provides real-time images, allowing our veterinarian to make quick and accurate diagnoses. This immediacy is crucial for starting the right treatment plan without delay.
3. Detailed Visualization: Ultrasound offers clear images of soft tissues, organs, and blood flow, aiding in the accurate diagnosis of various conditions.
4. Guided Procedures: Ultrasound for pets is used to guide minimally invasive procedures like needle biopsies or fluid drainage.
5. Versatility: Whether it’s a routine check-up or an emergency situation, ultrasound can be used to examine a wide range of conditions. From detecting tumors to evaluating heart health, it’s a versatile tool that enhances our diagnostic capabilities.

Common Uses of Ultrasound for Pets

1. Abdominal Ultrasound evaluates organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and intestines for abnormalities such as tumors, cysts, stones, infections, and other abnormalities.
2. Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography) assesses the heart’s structure and function, helping diagnose heart disease or congenital defects.
3. Pregnancy Ultrasound confirms pregnancy diagnosis, aids in c-section timing, and monitors fetal development.
4. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound examines tendons, ligaments, and muscles for injuries or abnormalities.
5. Thoracic Ultrasound investigates the chest cavity for lung or pleural diseases.

Preparing Your Pet for an Ultrasound

• Fasting: Our veterinarian may recommend that your pet fast for several hours before the procedure to get clearer images.
• Shaving: The area to be examined may need to be shaved to ensure good contact between the transducer and the skin.

Real-Life Success Stories of Ultrasound for Pets

We’ve seen firsthand how ultrasound for pets has transformed the lives of our patients. Here are a couple of heartwarming stories:

• Dexter the White Poodle: Dexter had a health issue of trouble urinating. After a full examination, ultrasound was used to diagnose several urinary bladder stones which allowed for immediate diagnosis and led to lifesaving surgery.
• Dahlia the Pitbull Mix: Dahlia had symptoms of weakness and not wanting to eat much. After thorough examination, it was determined that ultrasound of her abdomen would be the least invasive and most useful diagnostic tool. With use of ultrasound, our veterinarian was able to diagnose a splenic mass in dahlia which then allowed for lifesaving splenic growth surgery.

Schedule an Ultrasound for Your Pet Today

At Salt River Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for your pets. Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology allows us to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions with precision and care. By incorporating ultrasound for pets into our diagnostic toolkit, we ensure that your pets receive the most accurate and comprehensive evaluations. Schedule an ultrasound appointment today to give your pet the gift of health.

Salt River Veterinary Clinic is a full-service animal hospital providing compassionate Quality Care and Services. We offer a wide range of services, including Soft Tissue Surgery, Digital Radiology, Ultrasound, Dentistry, Hospitalization, In-House Laboratory, Preventative Medicine, Therapeutic Laser Therapy, and Acupuncture.