Diagnostic imaging can be vital to caring for companion animals. If your pet needs an ultrasound, you may be curious about what to expect. Here, our Snellville vets will provide information about ultrasounds for dogs and cats and explain what will happen during your pet's appointment.
Ultrasounds for Dogs & Cats in Snellville
Our pets are prone to several illnesses and conditions, such as tumors, cysts, or ingesting foreign objects that can cause internal blockages. Ultrasounds for dogs and cats in Snellville are a diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to generate real-time images of your cat or dog's body. Veterinary ultrasounds are quick and noninvasive and can be used to diagnose and evaluate various internal organ problems in your pet. They are also helpful for monitoring your pet's pregnancy.
What is an ultrasound machine?
An ultrasound machine produces images of internal structures, allowing your vet to examine areas that can't be seen with the naked eye. To create these images, the machine sends high-frequency sound waves reflecting off body structures. The data collected by these waves is then sent to a computer, showing the image.
Is radiation used in veterinary ultrasounds?
As we mentioned above, ultrasounds use sound waves to produce images. This means that no radiation is needed during the procedure.
Why are ultrasounds needed?
Our vets in Snellville can perform ultrasounds to examine your pet's organs and detect any blockages, tumors, or other medical issues. At Snellville Animal Hospital, we have an in-house veterinary diagnostic laboratory where our vets use diagnostic tools, including ultrasounds, to diagnose accurately. With the help of these tools, we can identify your pet's medical problems and offer the most effective treatment possible.
What are the two main types of ultrasounds?
Two of the most commonly performed types of ultrasounds for pets are:
Emergency Ultrasound
If your pet is in an emergency, the ultrasound will typically concentrate on the abdomen and chest areas to quickly determine whether your dog or cat is experiencing a serious internal hemorrhage (bleeding) or pneumothorax (a condition in which gas or air accumulates in the area surrounding the lungs). This can help us diagnose the problem quickly and plan for effective treatment.
Echocardiogram
Cardiac ultrasounds, or echocardiograms, are detailed scans that allow us to closely examine the heart and its surrounding structures, including the pericardial sac. They help us determine whether the heart is functioning properly or if there are any abnormalities. Although echocardiograms are generally painless, they involve taking various measurements and calculations.
If your pet has recently been diagnosed with a heart murmur or is showing signs of heart disease, they may be referred to a specialist for an echocardiogram. This test is particularly useful in cases where an organ shows abnormalities. An ultrasound-guided biopsy can be performed to obtain a tissue sample for further examination under a microscope. This biopsy aids in making a diagnosis in many instances.
When is ultrasound used?
Heart Problems
Suppose your dog or cat has been diagnosed with a heart condition. In that case, your vet may refer you to a specialist for a heart ultrasound or echocardiogram to help evaluate the condition and function of your pet's heart and to search for any abnormalities.
Abnormal Blood or Urine Test Results
If your veterinarian discovers any anomalies in your pet's urine tests or blood samples, they may recommend that your companion get an ultrasound to better view internal organs like lymph nodes, kidneys, bladder, and more and to try to identify what is causing the issue.
Soft Tissues
Ultrasound technology allows for detailed examination of various soft tissues, including commonly examined areas:
- Eyes
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Fetal viability and development
- Thyroid glands
If abnormal tissue is spotted during an ultrasound, the vet may also use the ultrasound to help collect tissue samples from the affected area.
Ultrasound-Assisted Tissue Collection & Biopsies
Samples are typically collected using these methods:
- Tru-Cut biopsies
- Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration
If your vet performs an ultrasound-assisted tissue collection, your pet will likely be sedated. We can perform biopsies in a less invasive manner with ultrasounds than with surgeries.
How To Prepare Your Dog or Cat for Their Ultrasound
Different ultrasounds may require specific preparations for your pet's body. It is essential to consult your vet for specific guidelines to help prepare your pet for the ultrasound.
For some ultrasounds, like abdominal ultrasounds, you may need to withhold food and water from your pet for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure. This will allow for a better examination of the abdominal area. In the case of bladder ultrasounds, it is advisable not to allow your cat or dog to urinate for three to six hours before the procedure so that the bladder can be adequately assessed.
The area being examined will typically be shaved to ensure clear images can be obtained. Although most pets remain still and cooperative during the ultrasound, some may require sedation to help them stay calm.
If biopsies are necessary after the ultrasound, your pet will require a stronger sedative or anesthesia to help them remain calm and prevent complications. Your vet will inform you if this is necessary.
Will your cat or dog need anesthesia for their ultrasound?
Anesthesia is not usually used on pets having an ultrasound. This is because the procedure is non-invasive and painless. Your vet may use a sedative if your furry friend is easily frightened or restless.
What can you expect after the ultrasound is complete?
Your veterinarians can conduct real-time ultrasound scans so that you will receive the results immediately. However, in certain cases, the ultrasound images may need to be sent to a veterinary radiologist for further examination, which may delay a few days before the outcome is determined.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.