Pet Ultrasound
Our pet ultrasounds at Fort Hunt Animal Hospital are a key way we diagnose a variety of health conditions in both cats and dogs. This non-invasive imaging tool allows our veterinary team to visualize your pet’s internal organs in real time, providing essential information for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
What is Pet Ultrasound?
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed images of your pet’s internal structures. This diagnostic tool is especially useful for evaluating soft tissues like the liver, kidneys, bladder, heart, and other organs.
When conducting a pet ultrasound in Alexandria, VA, our skilled veterinary team at Fort Hunt Animal Hospital will carefully examine your pet’s internal organs without the need for surgery or invasive procedures. Your pet will typically lie comfortably on an examination table while a veterinary technician gently applies a small amount of gel to their skin. A handheld device called a transducer is then moved across the area being examined, and the ultrasound machine produces real-time images that can be viewed by the veterinarian on a screen.
Common Uses for Pet Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of health conditions. Some common reasons we might recommend an ultrasound include:
- Abdominal Issues: Ultrasound helps us evaluate your pet’s stomach, intestines, kidneys, and bladder, making it easier to diagnose conditions like kidney stones, bladder infections, or tumors.
- Heart Conditions: Known as an echocardiogram, ultrasound is often used to assess heart function, detect heart disease, and monitor for conditions such as heart murmurs or valve issues.
- Pregnancy: Ultrasound can confirm pregnancy and monitor the development of the puppies or kittens in utero, giving you peace of mind as your pet’s pregnancy progresses.
- Liver and Spleen Abnormalities: If your pet shows signs of liver disease or other abdominal concerns, ultrasound provides detailed images that help us identify the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
Benefits of Pet Ultrasound
Pet ultrasound is a safe and effective way to gather important information about your pet’s health. Some of the benefits of using our pet ultrasound services in Alexandria, VA include:
- Non-Invasive: Ultrasound requires no surgery or sedation, making it a low-stress procedure for your pet.
- Real-Time Imaging: Ultrasound allows us to see the movement of internal organs, blood flow, and other dynamic processes, providing more detailed insights than X-rays alone.
- Quick Results: In many cases, our veterinarians can review the ultrasound images immediately, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment.
What to Expect During a Pet Ultrasound
A pet ultrasound is typically a straightforward and stress-free process. Your pet will be gently positioned on an examination table, and a small area of fur may be shaved to ensure better contact between the ultrasound probe and the skin. A special gel is applied to the area, and the probe is carefully moved over your pet’s abdomen or chest to capture detailed images.
We partner with a traveling ultrasonographer who performs comprehensive ultrasounds right in our hospital, ensuring your pet receives the care they need in a familiar environment. The images are then thoroughly assessed by a boarded radiologist veterinarian to provide an accurate diagnosis.
The Ultrasound Process
The procedure usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the exam. A mild sedative is often utilized to help patients relax during the procedure.
After the Ultrasound
Once the ultrasound is complete, our veterinary team will discuss the radiologist’s findings with you. If further diagnostic tests or treatments are recommended, we will go over your options and develop a personalized care plan for your pet.
Schedule a Pet Ultrasound Today
If your pet requires further diagnostic evaluation, trust us for expert ultrasound services. With the help of our traveling ultrasonographer and boarded radiologist, we ensure your pet receives high-quality, specialized care. Contact us today to schedule an ultrasound or learn more about how this diagnostic tool can support your pet’s health.