Advances in veterinary medicine have given us a wide range of diagnostic tools, one of the most significant being ultrasound technology. Our San Diego vets explain pet ultrasounds and what to expect from your pet's scan.
What is ultrasound for pets?
An ultrasound machine is a medical device that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. This technology is widely used in both human and veterinary medicine to provide real-time images of the internal organs, tissues, and blood flow, allowing for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions
Is there radiation involved in an ultrasound?
No, there is no radiation involved in an ultrasound procedure. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, which use ionizing radiation to create images, ultrasounds rely solely on sound waves. This makes ultrasound a safer option, especially for repeated use and for examining sensitive areas such as the abdomen and the heart.
Why does my pet need an ultrasound?
There are several reasons why your veterinarian might recommend an ultrasound for your furry friend. Some common reasons include:
- To help diagnose abdominal issues such as unexplained abdominal pain, vomiting, or changes in appetite. In these cases, an ultrasound can help identify issues such as tumors, kidney stones, or liver disease.
- The diagnosis and monitoring of heart disease. Known as an echocardiogram, a heart ultrasound allows veterinarians to see the pet's heart structure and function.
- Confirm or monitor your dog or cat's pregnancy, and check fetal development for complications.
- To help detect bladder issues such as stones, tumors, or other abnormalities.
- Examine specific soft tissues such as ligaments, eyes, tendons and thyroid gland.
- To perform ultrasound-assisted tissue collection such as tru-cut biopsies and fine needle aspiration. (Often vets can perform biopsies in a less invasive manner with ultrasounds than with surgery).
How should I prepare my pet for their ultrasound appointment?
Often there is no preparation required for a dog or cat ultrasound.
That said, if your pet is scheduled for an ultrasound scan, follow any specific preparation instructions provided by your vet.
For abdominal ultrasounds, your pet may need to fast (no food or water) for 8 to 12 hours. It's important to ensure that the bladder is full, so try to prevent your pet from urinating for 3 to 6 hours before the ultrasound, if possible.
Your pet's fur may need to be shaved in the area to be examined in order to obtain clear images. While most pets remain still during the ultrasound, some may require sedation.
If biopsies are needed, your pet will be given a heavy sedative or short-acting anesthetic to relax them during the procedure. Your vet will advise you ahead of time if this will be necessary.
What are the benefits of ultrasounds for dogs and cats?
Ultrasound for pets offers several advantages:
- Ultrasounds are a non-invasive and safe way to obtain detailed images of your pet’s internal organs.
- Ultrasounds are painless. Dogs and cats generally remain still throughout the process, without the need for sedation.
- Images can be viewed as the scan is performed, often allowing veterinarians to provide a diagnosis right away.
When will I get my pet's ultrasound results?
Since your veterinarian can perform an ultrasound in real-time, in many cases, results are analyzed and provided to pet parents immediately. That said. in some cases, ultrasound images need to be sent to a veterinary radiologist to be interpreted. If that is the case for your pet's ultrasound results, you may need to wait a few days before receiving the final diagnosis.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.