Abdominal Ultrasounds
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds allow veterinarians to see what’s going on inside your pet’s body. They provide a clear view of organs and tissues to help vets diagnose internal issues with clarity and confidence.
What Is a Pet Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique used to evaluate the internal structures of your pet’s body. During the procedure, a small, hand-held probe is gently moved across your pet’s skin to capture real-time images of organs and tissues.
The probe emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal structures and return to the probe, where they are converted into a two-dimensional image displayed on a monitor.
Why Would a Pet Need an Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds give us a detailed view of the body’s organs, including the kidneys, stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder, and more. They are especially valuable for diagnosing internal issues like blockages, internal bleeding, or tumors. When combined with other diagnostics like lab tests, X-rays, or physical exams, ultrasounds can help identify the underlying cause of abdominal abnormalities.
Is an Ultrasound Safe for My Pet?
Yes—an ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive, and pain-free procedure. Unlike X-rays, it does not use any radiation, making it a very low-risk diagnostic option for pets.
How Do I Prepare My Pet for an Ultrasound?
We typically recommend withholding food for at least 12 hours before the ultrasound to help us obtain the clearest possible images. Water is usually allowed up until the appointment.
Your pet’s fur will likely be shaved in the area being examined to allow better contact between the probe and skin. In most cases, we lightly sedate your pet to help reduce stress and keep them calm. Sedation also allows for a more accurate, higher-quality imaging study—and we may use it if sample collection is needed during the procedure.
What to Expect for an Ultrasound Appointment
Ultrasounds at our hospital are scheduled as 8:30 AM drop-off appointments. Your pet will be examined by the clinician performing the ultrasound, and will almost always be lightly sedated for comfort and imaging accuracy. Pets typically go home in the afternoon, once they’ve recovered from sedation.
We also recognize that certain situations require more urgent imaging. For emergent but stable cases, such as potential foreign body ingestion, same-day ultrasounds may be available on a case-by-case basis. If you believe your pet may need this service, please call us directly to discuss availability.
All ultrasounds are performed and interpreted in real time by Dr. Paull or Dr. DeWire. A detailed report, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations, will be generated and shared with your referring veterinarian. While we may offer preliminary information to pet owners, follow-up care and discussion of results is coordinated with your primary vet.
Pet Ultrasounds in Douglassville, PA
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our ultrasound and diagnostic imaging services, call us at 610-385-4848. If you are a referring veterinarian, please fill out our Referring Veterinarian form here.
