Ultrasound scans: everything you need to know
Our pets can develop all sorts of illnesses and conditions, such as tumours or cysts. An ultrasound scan is a type of diagnostic imaging technology that sends sound waves into a pet's body to create a real-time picture of an area of it.
The procedure is non-invasive and can be used to diagnose or assess problems with an animal's internal organs, or to confirm pregnancy. Just as with people, the aim of this procedure is to help reach the correct diagnosis of an illness or other condition. An ultrasound scan can give the vet a great deal of information about what's happening inside – in real time.
What is an ultrasound scanner?
The ultrasound machine emits ultrasonic waves that pass into our pet's organs. These waves bounce back into the handheld probe placed on the skin. The pattern of the sound waves reflected back by the ultrasound machine creates an image, which is viewed on a screen.
Conditions where an ultrasound scan is needed
Heart conditions
If our dog or cat is diagnosed with a heart condition, the vet may perform an echocardiogram to assess the heart's condition and function and detect any abnormalities.
If the vet finds any abnormalities or irregularities in urine tests or blood samples, they may recommend an ultrasound scan to get a clearer picture of internal organs such as the lymph nodes, kidneys, bladder and others, in order to identify what's causing the problem.
Soft tissue examination
Almost every type of soft tissue can be examined in detail thanks to ultrasound imaging technology. Some of the most commonly scanned areas include:
• eyes
• tendons
• pregnancy monitoring
• thyroid gland
What are the benefits of an ultrasound examination?
A non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure
One of the biggest benefits of ultrasound for pets is that it's a non-invasive diagnostic procedure. This means no needles or incisions are needed to get high-quality images of our pet's internal organs and structures.
Improves early detection and prevention
Another benefit of an ultrasound examination is that it's an effective tool for the early detection and prevention of a number of illnesses. Ultrasound lets vets get a clear picture of a pet's internal organs and structures, which can help them identify potential problems at an early stage.
For example, they can spot abnormalities such as growths, tumours and obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract, which matters because it allows treatment to begin straight away. What's more, early detection often means they can prevent the problem getting worse.
Greater accuracy
Ultrasound also helps improve the accuracy of diagnoses. Getting a clearer picture of what's happening internally lets vets put together a treatment plan tailored specifically to our pet's needs. In some cases, it can even remove the need for a biopsy or other invasive diagnostic procedures.
Painless, with little or no discomfort for our pet
An ultrasound scan is a painless procedure that causes our pet little or no discomfort. That's because ultrasonic waves are used to create the images, which means there's no pain involved. Your pet may feel slight pressure during the examination, but this is usually well tolerated and doesn't cause discomfort.
Veterinary Clinic Lozenets is equipped with a state-of-the-art ultrasound scanner, letting vets carry out examinations of the abdominal organs, heart, soft tissue, eyes and more. In "Yorkshire Terrier" month, we're giving you 50% off the price of the examination with the code YORKIE50 on-site at the clinic. Book your appointment now! The offer is valid for appointments booked by the end of November 2023.
