Pet Ultrasound
At Cat & Dog Hospital Of Columbia, pet ultrasound is just one of the diagnostic tools we use to non-invasively understand your pet’s health from the inside out.
Unveiling the World of Pet Ultrasound
Pet ultrasound at Cat & Dog Hospital Of Columbia provides a window into your pet’s health, allowing us to explore and understand their internal well-being. This non-invasive and painless diagnostic tool is crucial to our commitment to comprehensive veterinary care. Our practice has a board-certified internalist who performs and interprets the studies (by appointment only).
Understanding Pet Ultrasound
Pet ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes sound waves to create real-time images of your pet’s internal organs. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not involve radiation, making it a safe and effective method for examining soft tissues and organs.
Benefits of Pet Ultrasound
Pet ultrasound offers several advantages in assessing your pet’s health:
Detailed Imaging
Ultrasound provides detailed images, allowing our veterinary team to examine the structure and function of organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs.
Non-Invasive
Unlike surgical procedures, ultrasound is a non-invasive tool that helps us gather valuable information without causing discomfort to your pet.
Real-Time Observations
The real-time nature of ultrasound allows for dynamic observations of organ function, helping us identify any abnormalities or concerns.
The Pet Ultrasound Process
Consultation
Our experienced veterinary team will discuss your pet’s medical history and any concerning symptoms. We may recommend an ultrasound for a more in-depth examination based on this information.
Preparation
In some cases, your pet may need to fast before the procedure. Our veterinary team will provide specific instructions to ensure a smooth ultrasound experience.
The Ultrasound Procedure
During the procedure, a trained veterinary technician will apply a gel to your pet’s skin and use a handheld device called a transducer to capture images. This process is generally well-tolerated by pets.
Results and Recommendations
Following the ultrasound, our team will talk with you about the findings and recommend any follow-up care or treatment.
When Pet Ultrasound is Necessary
Knowing when to consider a pet ultrasound is crucial for your pet’s well-being:
- Unexplained Symptoms: If your pet exhibits unexplained symptoms such as weight loss, changes in behavior, or difficulty breathing, ultrasound can help identify underlying issues.
- Reproductive Health: Ultrasound is a valuable tool for monitoring the reproductive health of breeding animals, aiding in the detection of pregnancy, and assessing fetal development.
- Abnormal Blood Work Results: In cases where blood work indicates abnormalities, ultrasound can provide additional insights into the cause.
- Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Regular ultrasounds can assist in monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness for pets with chronic conditions, such as kidney disease or heart conditions.