Ultrasound is an advanced imaging technique used in veterinary medicine to examine internal organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. Ultrasound is particularly useful for assessing organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and uterus, as well as diagnosing problems such as swelling, lumps, or other changes in the body's soft tissues. It is also a painless and safe alternative to more invasive examinations.
Ultrasound works by sending out high-frequency sound waves and reflecting them back from the body's tissues. These echoes are recorded by a transducer, and a computer converts the signals into an image that is displayed on a screen. It is a particularly good tool for examining soft tissue, but is less effective for assessing bones or lungs.
Before an ultrasound examination, the animal should be fasted for a few hours to ensure a clear image. In some cases, especially for abdominal examinations, the dog may need to be rested or given a sedative to keep him still. During the examination itself, the fur is usually shaved away where the sound waves will pass, and gel or alcohol is used to improve contact between the skin and the transducer. Ultrasound is a safe and risk-free method, making it a popular choice in veterinary care.
Cardiac ultrasound measures blood flow in the heart's atria, ventricles, and blood vessels, and assesses heart function and causes of murmurs. It is also used to screen for heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
Abdominal ultrasound identifies urinary stones, cysts and other changes in organs such as the kidneys and liver. The animal is often sedated and should be fasted prior to the examination.
Pregnancy ultrasound confirms pregnancy from day 21 after mating, but for best results, examination from day 28 is recommended.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you would like to book an appointment for an ultrasound examination.
