Ultrasound

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasonography is an excellent non-invasive imaging technique that complements x-rays. It allows veterinarians to better visualize internal organs in greater detail. An ultrasound is normally performed on your pet without any sedation or with minimal sedation and is a completely painless procedure. An ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) is particularly important for diagnosing heart conditions and for making treatment decisions. Ultrasonography of your pet can be arranged to be performed by an ultrasound specialist at WAVES.

Alternatively we can arrange for an ultrasound to be performed at Greenfields by a veterinary ultrasound specialist from Diagnostic Veterinary Imaging (DVI).

WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND SCAN?
Ultrasound scanning is a painless procedure that uses high frequency sound waves (inaudible to humans) to produce images of structures within the body. When sound waves are directed into the body, some are absorbed by body tissues and others bounce back. The sound waves that bounce back are measured by the ultrasound machine and are transformed into an image on a screen. The images can be printed or recorded. Extensive training is required in order to correctly use this equipment and interpret these images.

Ultrasound scans are most useful for looking at soft or fluid-filled organs; like the liver, kidney, bladder and heart. It is less effective for examining bones or air-filled organs, like the lungs.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PET WHEN IT IS BOOKED IN FOR AN ULTRASOUND SCAN?
Most pets need to be fasted for 12 hours before an ultrasound can be performed in case some sedation is required.

The area to be scanned will be shaved, so your pet may look different when they come home.  No pain is felt during an ultrasound exam, however, discomfort from pressure may be experienced. Sedatives may be necessary for those animals that won’t stay still or are uncomfortable. During the scan a water-soluble gel is applied over the clipped area to be examined and a transducer (probe) is placed on the skin.

If you would like to arrange an ultrasound for your pet then please contact the hospital and we can discuss this with you.