While humans and animals differ in many ways, some advancements in human medicine are also beneficial for veterinary care. One such advancement, diagnostic ultrasound, has become a valuable tool in veterinary practice. As part of our commitment to providing state-of-the-art medicine and diagnostic testing, we are excited to offer ultrasound services to deliver a higher level of care to our patients.
Ultrasonography is a diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the inside of your pet’s body. Unlike x-rays, ultrasonography does not involve radiation. Instead, it relies on high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to generate clear pictures of internal structures. This non-invasive, painless procedure is an effective way to diagnose and evaluate many common conditions.
During an ultrasound, a small probe is gently placed on your pet’s skin. The probe emits sound waves that bounce off internal structures, such as organs, and return to a sensor within the machine. These reflected sound waves are then used to create real-time images on a screen. Ultrasound is particularly effective for visualizing abdominal organs like the liver, spleen, gallbladder, and kidneys. It is also valuable for monitoring pregnancy in breeding animals and assessing fetal health, as well as diagnosing and staging certain types of cancer.
Since ultrasound produces real-time images, it’s also used to assess the heart as it beats. This allows us to detect abnormalities in heart valve movement, blood flow, and heart muscle contractions, as well as to identify potential defects. We’re proud to offer ultrasound technology as part of our commitment to providing the highest quality care and diagnostic testing for our patients.
