X-Ray & Ultrasound
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.
What Is a Pet Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that can be used on pets. To perform an ultrasound on your pet, our team moves a small, hand-held probe gently across your pet’s skin to capture images of the inside of their body.
The probe directs a narrow beam of high-frequency sound waves to the area of interest. These sound waves bounce off of internal structures and reflect back to the probe. They’re then converted to a two-dimensional image displayed on a monitor.
Why Would a Pet Need an Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds produce real-time images of what’s happening inside your pet’s body. They provide detailed view of many of the body’s organs, including the kidneys, stomach, spleen, liver, and gallbladder, making them one of the best diagnostic tests available.
When used with other diagnostic tools, an ultrasound can help vets identify internal problems like blockages, internal bleeding, and tumors.
We typically recommend ultrasounds when we need more information to explain abdominal abnormalities observed in lab test results, X-rays, or physical exams.
Is an Ultrasound Safe for My Pet?
An ultrasound is a safe, pain-free procedure for your pet. Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds do not use radiation.
How Do I Prepare My Pet for an Ultrasound?
We advise owners to withhold food from their pets for at least 12 hours before the ultrasound so we can capture more precise images. Water is typically allowed at all times.
Once you arrive for the ultrasound appointment, the veterinary staff will likely shave your pet’s fur in the area where they’ll be placing the probe. Shaving the fur allows for closer contact with the skin, which can help produce clearer images.
We may sedate your pet to ensure a stress-free experience for them. We will also sedate your pet if we need to collect any samples that may be necessary.
Pet Ultrasounds & X-Rays In Douglassville, PA
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our pet ultrasound and x-ray services, give us a call at 610.385.4848
