IMAGING: X-RAY AND ULTRASOUND

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Ultrasound is a non-invasive way of taking a look at the inside of the body.  It is often used in conjunction with x-rays for optimal assessment.  

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We recommend imaging for cats and dogs with changes in lab tests

(liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder) to better assess what the inside of your pet looks like... bones, lungs, heart, abdomen, etc.  ​We can even use the ultrasound to guide a tiny needle into very small sites if we need to collect a sample for additional testing.

 

We frequently perform abdominal x-rays and ultrasounds on cats and dogs with inconclusive lab tests, looking for hidden signs of disease like inflammatory bowel disease, potential tumors,foreign bodies, bladder stones, gall bladder

stones, and pancreatitis.

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​​We are also able to submit these images to a board certified specialist for further evaluation if needed.

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Ultrasound can also be used to evaluate pets with for heart disease. In fact, a cardiac ultrasound is better at detecting heart disease in cats than an x-ray is. X-rays are still valuable in screening for an enlarged heart and signs of heart failure (fluid in or around the lungs).

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Cats and dogs that have an abdominal ultrasound performed will likely have their belly shaved to allow for better imaging... We need to apply a gel to the skin for best contact wtih the ultrasound probe to deliver and receive the sound waves that create the image.           

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Most pets don't need any sedation or pain medication, but if their abdomen is painful, if they have arthritis, it hurts lay a certain way, or if we need to collect samples, rest assured that we will make them as comfortable as possible during the procedure and administer pain meds and sedation as needed.