Our emergency veterinarians are highly qualified and well-trained to provide you and your pet with the highest standard in emergency medical and critical care.
How does an ultrasound work?
Ultrasound scans or sonography use a device that transmits vibrations with an ultrasonic frequency to waves to the organs. Those waves are either absorbed or bounced back to show an image of the subject on a computer screen. The sound waves are also referred to as “echoes,” hence the name echocardiogram. Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that many pet owners and veterinarians prefer because it does not use radiation.
For a typical ultrasound exam, the animal lays on a padded table on its side, so the side of the chest where the organ that needs to be examined can can be exposed. A conductive gel is applied to a probe or transducer that is attached to the ultrasound. The veterinarian will then move the probe across the area that needs evaluating. Once the ultrasound waves are transmitted, an image should appear on the computer screen to create a 2 or 3 dimensional reconstruction of the organ. Results of the exam are shown in real-time, so the doctor will try to diagnose the patient immediately unless they need further consultation or a second opinion. Owners can expect the exam to last anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes. After an ultrasound, the vet may recommend another test, like a biopsy or x-ray, to further analyze the area of interest.
Does my dog or cat need to be sedated before their ultrasound?
No, most animals will not to be sedated before their ultrasound as long as they are comfortable and calm laying down on their side or stomach for the procedure. If your pet is jittery, you may want to discuss options with your veterinarian beforehand to prepare. For other exams that may follow the ultrasound, such as a ultrasound-guided biopsy, your cat or dog can be given a temporary anesthetic or sedative.
Should I prepare my pet for their ultrasound?
Whether you need to prepare your pet for the ultrasound depends on what they are getting it for. An ultrasound for a heart needs no special preparation, but an abdominal ultrasound requires 12 hours fasting beforehand. A urinary bladder ultrasound works better with a full bladder, so you may want to keep your pet from urinating immediately before the exam. The ultrasound does work better when the probe is applied directly to the skin, so if your pet has a lot of fur, you ask your vet if the area of interest needs to be shaved. Each case depends on what your vet is looking for, so consult with them for better instructions.
For humans, ultrasounds are often used to see the growth and development of babies while they are still inside the mother. However, ultrasounds have many other uses as well and one of those is in the veterinary field. Dogs and cats can benefit from ultrasound or cardiography tests to diagnose certain problems. At Bright Care Animal Emergency, we provide a full suite of veterinary equipment and diagnostic tools, including ultrasound/cardiograph, to ensure we’re able to treat our patients to the best of our abilities.
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound, also known as an echocardiogram, is a non-invasive process used to check an animal’s internal organs. It’s commonly used to evaluate that organs such as the heart, stomach, eyes, and reproductive system are functioning normally. Ultrasounds are often used in conjunction with an x-ray for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.
Veterinarians use ultrasounds to find out if there is a problem with your dog or cat. Not only are they commonly used on humans, they are perfectly safe and widely used for animals as well. The ultrasound itself is a hand-held device that is pressed against the skin (usually with ultrasound gel) to capture accurate pictures of the inner organs.
Why would my pet need an ultrasound?
Animals who are suspected to have congenital or acquired heart disease often need an ultrasound for the veterinarian to confirm their diagnosis. The ultrasound gives a detailed image of the heart, allowing the veterinarian to see any birth defects, diseases, heart muscle problems, tapeworm, or tumors. Of course, the ultrasound can also be used on other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, uterus, liver, and more.
Here are common medical conditions that may need ultrasound for diagnosis:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Pericardial effusion
- Tumors
- Cysts
- Tapeworm infection
- Heartworm infection
- Heart disease
- Pregnancy
If your dog or cat’s vet believes your pet is at risk of any of the following, they may use an ultrasound for a clearer picture of what’s going on. The only area that would be difficult to evaluate with an echocardiogram would be the lungs because of the air inside of it and bones which stop the waves.
Our veterinary team at Bright Care will only recommend an ultrasound if it is necessary to diagnose a problem in your animal. The equipment and techniques we use are tried and tested, so there’s no need to worry about the safety or accuracy of the ultrasound. If you are concerned about your pet’s well being, our veterinary experts can help. Book an appointment online or walk in to our emergency veterinary center in Mission Viejo any time!
FAQ
What is ultrasound for pets?
An ultrasound in Mission Viejo is considered to be advanced imaging used as a non-invasive way of checking the status of internal organs like a pet’s heart, stomach, and eyes. Ultrasounds are used in conjunction with other resources to verify if a pet has any serious health issues.
When should I get an ultrasound for my pet?
There are many reasons why your pet may need an ultrasound in Mission Viejo. Take into consideration that some health problems are only noticeable after a thorough examination using advanced imaging. If a veterinarian suspects of congenital heart disease, or if your pet has suffered an accident, it is possible only an ultrasound may reveal the true nature of the problem.
How do I prepare my pet for an ultrasound?
Preparation for ultrasound in Mission Viejo will greatly vary according to the reasons why your pet’s veterinarian needs it. Some organs have to be examined only after emptying your pet’s stomach, others need a full bladder, so don’t walk your dog just before the visit to the veterinarian ER.
Can a dog eat before an ultrasound?
If the veterinarian needs an ultrasound in Mission Viejo to check the abdominal area of your pet, then no. It’s important your pet fasts for the 12 hours before the ultrasound session. We know it will be hard to explain this to your pets, but we ask that you follow this important direction.
What should you avoid before an ultrasound?
When you prepare to get an ultrasound in Mission Viejo you must consider how restless your pet is around strangers. Let the doctor know to prepare better for the procedure. Also, follow directions given by the veterinarian. If the indications say a pet needs to fast before the ultrasound, it is because it will increase the effectiveness of the ultrasound, not because we want your doggy to be cranky.
