Digital Diagnostic Procedures
Ultrasound Machine
An ultrasound exam is a way of looking inside your pet’s body without having to perform surgery. The ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the body and then listens for the echoes, the machine then uses these echoes to form a picture of the inside of your pet! Don’t worry, these sound waves are too high in pitch for us, or any of our patients, to hear and produce no harmful effects as a diagnostic tool. Ultrasound exams are performed for many reasons. In human medicine, most of us think about ultrasound exams during pregnancy. However, because ultrasound is a safe, repeatable way to look inside the body, it has become a very useful tool for many other situations. Ultrasound allows us to examine internal organs for location, size, shape, texture and blood supply. While an ultrasound is very unique in its imaging ways, some times it does need to be coupled with additional diagnostics to determine an exact diagnosis and treatment. For the majority of the exam, minimal pressure is applied. Sometimes, to get a good picture, your pet may experience a slight “pushing” against their skin or may wiggle a little when we view a “ticklish” spot. Because of this, your pet will be gently restrained by the veterinary technician. Most pets will even relax enough to enjoy the undivided attention and ear rubs during the exam, while others get in a quick nap! |
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Dr. Wheatley may have request an ultrasound exam of your pet for one of the following reasons:
Abnormal bloodwork
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Weight loss with no change in eating habits
Change in urinary habits
Recheck on pre-existing condition
Fluid in chest or abdomen
Pregnancy
Pre-surgical
Abnormal bloodwork
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Weight loss with no change in eating habits
Change in urinary habits
Recheck on pre-existing condition
Fluid in chest or abdomen
Pregnancy
Pre-surgical