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