Seeing under the skin–that’s what’s possible with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool that creates a real-time internal image of an animal’s body, giving us important information about the circulatory, skeletal and gastrointestinal systems.
When used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools like X-rays, ultrasounds can help identify disease, blockages, skeletal fractures, soft tissue damage and other internal injuries. Because ultrasounds don’t require radiation, they’re also used to monitor pregnancies and fetal health in breeding pets.
What Is It?
An ultrasound works by broadcasting high-frequency sound waves that reflect off your pet’s internal structures. A small probe held against the skin collects the returning signals to create an image of the internal body, most commonly used to examine abdominal organs like the stomach, kidneys, liver, spleen and gallbladder. An echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart, provides precise information about heart valves, blood flow, chamber size and contractions. Completely painless and non-invasive, ultrasounds usually require some sedation because the patient must remain completely still.
When Is It Recommended?
An ultrasound will be recommended by your FloridaWild Integrative Veterinary Center & Urgent Care doctor based on your pet’s specific symptoms, exam findings and potentially bloodwork or X-ray results. Getting a better picture of the exact area of inflammation or dysfunction allows your FloridaWild Integrative Veterinary Center & Urgent Care doctor to prescribe a more specific, effective and integrative treatment plan.
During The Ultrasound
What Happens During the Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is entirely comfortable. Pets lay on their backs in a foam padded cradle with a nurse holding them and comforting them. The lights are dimmed, the room is quiet, and many patients relax and even fall asleep.
What To Know For Your Scheduled Appointment?
Which Doctor Will Perform the Ultrasound?
Your pet’s ultrasound will either be scheduled with Dr. Schrager or Dr. Hathaway.
Different Haircoats
For patients with thicker haircoats, we may have to shave the hair on their underside to better access direct skin contact with the ultrasound probe.
Feeding
If possible, we prefer your pet not be fed the day of their scheduled ultrasound. This allows for the best possible imaging.
How Long Will My Pet Be there?
The length of time your pet is here can vary depending on the specifics of their ultrasound needs. It could be scheduled as a 1-hour appointment or requested your pet be dropped off with us for the day. If your pet will need sedation, we definitely encourage a drop-off appointment – this will allow us to watch your loved one while they safely recover for a few hours after their sedative.
Will My Pet Need To Be Sedated?
For most, the answer is no. However, there are occasional patients that will need a sedative if they do not want to lay on their back. If this is the case with your pet, then your FloridaWild doctor will make sure to discuss this with you beforehand.
* Your pet’s health is our top priority! If there are any findings that need to be urgently addressed, and your regular doctor is not in, Dr. Schrager or Dr.Hathaway will always contact you right away to go over findings and discuss options.
Pet Ultrasound in DeLand, FL
FloridaWild Integrative Veterinary Center & Urgent Care employs advanced imaging technologies operated by board-certified veterinary radiologists, guaranteeing the highest quality of care for our patients.
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our ultrasound services, call us at (386)734-9899.
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