Ultrasound, the same technology used to generate sonograms during a human pregnancy, has become an extension of our examination of a sick or unwell pet. Ultrasound is a non-invasive look inside the body and the organs. It can often see beyond our typical radiographs to best diagnose the pet. Whereas radiographs provide a snapshot of our pet’s abdomen or chest in their entirety, ultrasound lets us examine the architecture of an organ or structure more specifically. Using radiographs and ultrasound together form a great diagnostic tool to find the problem faster and more accurately.

Why would we recommend an ultrasound?

  • An abdominal ultrasound is commonly recommended for patients with vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, urinary tract problems, hormonal diseases, and abnormal laboratory blood work values.
  • If you pet as ingested a foreign object ultrasound can help us find the item and determine the effect on the gastrointestinal tract
  • Ultrasound is way of evaluating the function of the heart and to diagnose specific diseases. With ultrasound of the heart we can evaluate the heart valves and movement of the blood thru the heart (especially useful if our patient has a heart murmur). Certain conditions (including congenital heart defects) may need the attention of a boarded cardiologist.
  • Ultrasound can be lifesaving in situations where there may be internal bleeding or fluid in the chest or abdomen. 

Ultrasound services include:

  • Abdominal Ultrasound
  • Echocardiogram
  • Pregnancy Exam
  • Bladder exam including stone and neoplasia evaluation

Ultrasound guided services include:

  • Fine needle Aspirate
  • Core biopsy
  • Cystocentesis
  • Abdominacentesis
  • Thoracocentesis


As part of your pet’s ultrasound examination we consult with specialty doctors to evaluate our images and help provide treatment recommendations. We work closely with cardiologists, internal medicine specialists, radiologists, and others to provide the best options for your pet.

Ultrasound Canine Fetus

This is a zoomed in view of an unborn puppy. The arrow points to the backbone and the arrowhead points to the heart.

Kidney

Chronic Kidney Disease is a very common disease of our older cats, it is estimated that >30% of cats over 15 yo are affected by kidney disease.

Hemangiosarcoma

This tumor is the most common splenic cancer of dogs. It is treated by removing the spleen, but also commonly spreads to the heart, liver, and lungs.

Urolith (Bladder Stones)

Bladder stones are more common than kidney stones in our pets. Some stones will dissolve with treatmnet, but other patient will need surgery to remove them.