How does ultrasound testing work?

Ultrasound equipment directs a narrow beam of high frequency sound waves into the area of interest. The sound waves either transmit through, reflect, or absorb in the tissues that they encounter. Any ultrasound waves that are reflected will return as echoes and convert into an image that is displayed on the monitor, giving a 2-dimensional image of the tissues under examination. With the ability to obtain real time information, outcomes can often be determined immediately.

The exam is completely painless. Light sedation may be used to help the patient lie comfortably while the scan is being performed. Your pet may need to be shaved in the area of interest, as veterinary ultrasound images are of better quality if they have complete contact with the skin.

When would my pet get an ultrasound test?

An ultrasound can be used to evaluate your pet’s internal organs, whether the heart or abdominal organs such as the liver, kidneys and bladder, among others. An ultrasound is usually recommended when our doctors find abnormalities on bloodwork or x-rays, or we may use repeat ultrasounds to monitor a disease process.