What is ultrasound?

 

Ultrasound allows us to assess the internal architecture of the body. It helps to see inside the organs, where x-rays see only the outside. Ultrasound uses the technology of sound waves to produce an image of the inside of your animal. Every organ can be evaluated. This procedure is non-painful and sedation is not necessarily used for every animal.

 

How is it done?

 

First thing we do is a "shave-down". Your pet will get a haircut where the ultrasound is going to be done. They then get jelly on their belly' (like a human ultrasound) and then gentle pressure is applied with the ultrasound so they can pick up the image. It's as easy as that!

 

What can be found during an ultrasound?

 

Often times, our list of diagnoses is long and ultrasound can help rule out many diseases. Some of the things that could be found include masses, fluid in the abdomen, detached retinas, gall stones, heart defects and blood flow through the heart. Some of the things that we have found at our hospital are kidney stones, bladder masses, cancerous and non-cancerous masses and prostate cancer.