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.