Pet Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce a 2-D image of your pet’s internal structures. Unlike X-ray, which produces a static image, ultrasound allows us to see your pet’s internal structures in motion.
Northfield Veterinary Hospital
Learn more about what our pet ultrasound service entails below!
An abdominal ultrasound is a diagnostic test that observes the organs and internal structures of your pet’s abdomen. We can view the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs, stomach, pancreas, intestinal tract, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images. The ultrasound can help discover where and why a problem is occurring so that appropriate treatment can be started. In some cases, the ultrasound findings may result in your pet needing additional testing.
WHEN IS AN ULTRASOUND RECOMMENDED?
If your pet has been showing symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abnormal urination, or a mass that can be palpated. Other situations in which an ultrasound may be necessary are if lab work or radiographs are abnormal.
THE PROCEDURE
Ultrasounds are typically done with the pet lying on their back on a foam padding. The veterinarian at our animal hospital holds a transducer or probe against the skin. As the transducer is moved over the skin, it sends sound waves to the structures inside, which are then translated to black and white images on a screen. Your pet’s fur will be shaved for the procedure and ultrasound gel is used to provide better conduction.
Ultrasounds are usually painless and often performed in a quiet, dark room. Most pets can lie comfortably with minimal restraint during the procedure, but a light sedation may be recommended to minimize your pet’s stress. Almost all pets can safely undergo an ultrasound, regardless of medical concerns.