Ultrasounds For Pets

Here at Clearview Veterinary Hospital, we strive to offer the best veterinary care possible. A big part of that entails getting a clear and complete diagnosis of any medical issues our furry patients are facing. One of the best and most powerful tools we utilize for that is the ultrasound exam. A New Orleans, LA vet discusses ultrasounds below.

Basic Info

Ultrasounds utilize an imaging technique called ultrasonography to record echoes of sonic waves. High-frequency sound waves are directed at the part of the body that’s being examined. Different tissues will either reflect these sound waves, absorb them, or allow them to pass through. The resulting image paints a two dimensional picture of what’s going on inside a pet. There are a few types of ultrasounds. B-mode (brightness mode) ultrasounds are the ones most commonly used in veterinary medicine. M-mode (motion mode) ultrasounds record movements, while Doppler-mode ultrasounds monitor blood flow.

Uses

Ultrasounds allow veterinarians to examine a pet’s insides, which is extremely helpful for diagnosing issues. They can help detect heart conditions, cysts, tumors, and even certain eye diseases. They’re also helpful for detecting and tracking changes; confirming and monitoring pregnancies; and evaluating internal organs, such as the thyroid, mammary glands, liver, kidneys, and gallbladder.

Benefits

Ultrasounds also offer some great benefits for both pets and their owners. First and foremost, they’re both safe and painless. Pets need only minimal restraint, and generally don’t get scared or stressed by the process. They’re also fairly quick: most exams take less than an hour. Your furry friend won’t need to be kept overnight, nor will there be any side effects. Finally, they provide more detailed information than X-Rays, and allow for immediate diagnosis.

Uses

Vets may recommend ultrasounds for many different reasons. They are often given to investigate abnormal results from lab work, particularly when those results show a possibility of cancer or other issues. They are often used to determine the extent of a pet’s injuries after a traumatic injury, such as being hit by a car, or to gather information about lumps, cysts, tumors, or lesions. They can also be helpful in diagnosing various issues in senior pets. In fact, many veterinarians now recommend them as part of routine exams for geriatric animals. Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Please feel free to contact us, your New Orleans, LA animal clinic, anytime!