If your pet has been scheduled for an ultrasound, you will feel a little disoriented as a pet owner, but knowing what to expect will help you be prepared. Ultrasounds have become an essential part of keeping our pets healthy; they are the most effective way to address a wide range of health problems and even to practice surgical operations, as early detection can save pets' lives. They are the most common form of scan used to test pets and are used by veterinarians to obtain better diagnoses, disease detection, and a thorough understanding of the health and well-being of animals.
WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND?
Ultrasounds, also known as ultrasonography, use sound waves to produce a picture that enables internal body structures to be seen, similar to how obstetricians use sonograms during human pregnancies. There are no side effects, and the test is considered non-invasive. Ultrasounds have many benefits in veterinary medicine, including the ability to see internal organs in real-time with greater accuracy, as well as the fact that they are non-invasive and inexpensive.
An ultrasound can detect a variety of issues, including pregnancy and the number of fetuses in the uterus, foreign bodies, cardiac function, whether or not an organ is enlarged, such as the liver, kidneys, bowel, spleen, bladder, prostate, uterus, and heart; and tumors or ingested something, such as a pet toy, a piece of clothing, or something else that it shouldn't have ingested; and other internal injuries or conditions that might otherwise require surgery to view properly.
There is almost no pain for your pet during these procedures, but a light sedative may be needed for certain pets during an ultrasound, which is not very normal unless biopsies are being taken, but only if they become overly nervous and frightened during the test. This is completely painless, and it aids in obtaining a consistent image in order to better diagnose and treat the patient. In most situations, your pet's hair must also be shaved, as it is vital to make full contact with the skin. Hair may be moistened with alcohol in some cases, but most studies involve hair removal.
Ultrasounds can be used to collect information at a lower cost than most imaging techniques. It has become extremely useful for diagnostics in animal hospitals, clinics, and emergency care centers around the world for all animal’s health.
When your furry friend is sick or you notice something weird, our team uses the newest technology, such as digital ultrasound, to put your mind at ease. If you have any other questions about ultrasound, please reach out to Kanan Veterinary Hospital at Oak Park! We’re happy to talk with you about your dog or cat’s health care needs (818) 523-7434.
