Ultrasound

When is Ultrasound Recommended?

Our veterinarians will assess your pet’s condition and perform a thorough physical examination to determine whether an ultrasound is needed. Ultrasound is often recommended for pets with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or heart murmurs, as it provides valuable insight into the health of internal organs.

How Does an Ultrasound Work?

An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive, painless diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures within the body. The ultrasound machine emits sound waves that are inaudible to humans. As these sound waves travel through the body, some are absorbed by tissues, while others bounce back. The machine measures the returning sound waves and converts them into real-time images displayed on a screen. These images can then be saved or printed for further analysis.

Ultrasound is particularly useful for examining soft tissues or fluid-filled organs, such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, and heart. The sound waves can penetrate these structures and provide detailed visual information about their size, shape, and condition. Ultrasound is highly effective for diagnosing conditions affecting soft tissues, detecting fluid accumulation, and assessing organ function.

However, ultrasound is less effective for imaging bones or air-filled organs, such as the lungs, as sound waves do not penetrate these tissues well.

Why is Ultrasound Used in Veterinary Medicine?

In veterinary medicine, ultrasound is a valuable tool for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, especially those affecting internal organs. It is commonly used to investigate:

• Abdominal issues (e.g., liver, kidneys, spleen, intestines)
• Cardiac problems (e.g., heart disease, murmurs)
• Urinary tract concerns (e.g., bladder stones, cysts)
• Reproductive health (e.g., pregnancy, ovarian cysts)

The procedure is typically quick and does not require sedation in most cases, though light sedation may be used if necessary, especially for anxious pets or those requiring a more detailed examination.

If your pet requires an ultrasound or if you would like more information about how this diagnostic tool can help, please feel free to ask our veterinary team. We’re here to ensure the best possible care for your pet.

What Happens When My Pet is Booked for an Ultrasound Scan?

When your pet is scheduled for an ultrasound scan, the procedure typically takes place in our clinic during the day, as it may require some preparation. If it is an emergency, we will perform the scan immediately. 

Pre-Scan Instructions:

• Fasting: We request that you bring your pet in unfed on the morning of the procedure, as this helps ensure clear images, especially when examining the abdomen.
• Sedation: In most cases, your pet will need to be sedated or lightly anesthetised to keep them still during the scan and ensure the best possible results. Pets that are particularly anxious or restless may benefit from mild sedation to ensure they are comfortable and cooperative.

The Procedure:

• Shaving: The area to be scanned, typically the abdomen or chest, will need to be shaved to ensure good contact for the ultrasound probe. Your pet may look a little different after the procedure due to this.
• Gel Application: A special water-soluble gel is applied to the shaved area. This gel helps conduct the sound waves and provides a clear view of the internal organs.
• Ultrasound Scan: The veterinarian will place the ultrasound transducer (a small probe) on the skin over the gel to capture images of the internal organs. The procedure is painless, though your pet may experience mild discomfort from the pressure of the probe.

Post-Scan:

• Results & Discussion:Once the ultrasound scan is completed, we will review the images and discuss the findings with you. We will either call you with the results or schedule an appointment to go over the images in person. If any treatment or follow-up care is required, your vet will provide a clear diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions prior to the procedure or for more details about your pet’s care. We are here to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.