When your pet is sick, you want answers and you want them fast. At Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center, we understand this. That is why we offer a variety of diagnostics to our clients. One of the most commonly used diagnostic tool we have is ultrasound. We can use this technology to look at many things, but perhaps its most frequent use is to obtain abdominal ultrasounds in pets.

Understanding the Technology

Ultrasound is an imaging technology that utilizes high frequency sound waves in order to create a live image of your pet’s internal organs. Even though sound waves are used to create this image, there is no audible noise. These waves simply bounce off of structures within your pet, creating a real-time image on our screen.

Most pets need no (or light) sedation in order to have an ultrasound performed. Typically, we do shave the area being examined in order to obtain the best possible image. Once the area is prepared, an ultrasound probe is applied using gentle pressure in order to visualize the area of interest.

Ultrasound can be a very valuable tool to allow us to get a good look inside your pet without surgery. Sometimes we can also obtain samples, such as biopsies or fluid collection, using this machine. In general, ultrasound is:

  • Quick
  • Painless
  • Noninvasive
  • Free of side effects

The Value of Abdominal Ultrasounds in Pets

Several areas of the body may be targeted using the ultrasound, however, an abdominal ultrasound is one of the most commonly performed procedures. During an ultrasound, we are able to visualize major organs, including the liver, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys, intestines, pancreas, and urinary bladder.

Ultrasound can help us to evaluate the size, structure, and location of the organs. We can also view motion in areas, such as the intestines, in real time, helping to identify motility issues. Blood flow to certain areas and organs can also be visualized using Doppler technology.

Abdominal ultrasounds in pets can be very helpful when dealing with a variety of conditions, including:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Urinary issues
  • Cancer staging
  • Investigating fluid
  • Looking for causes of abdominal pain
  • Suspected foreign body ingestion
  • Investigating changes on blood work
  • Monitoring pregnant patients

Ultrasound often gives us different and more detailed information than a plain radiograph can.

We are proud to be able to offer ultrasound services to our pet patients, because we know that the more information we can obtain, the better chance we have to get your furry friend feeling great again.