Why Ultrasound?
Although x-rays (radiographs) are useful in diagnosing many problems in dogs and cats, there are also cases where additional diagnostics are indicated. X-Rays give good visualization of calcified tissue (bone) but give only a limited image of solid tissue (like kidneys, spleen, liver etc). Ultrasound gives us a much better appreciation of the structure of solid organs and often leads to a specific diagnosis. Therefore ultrasound (or sonogram) is recommended when x-rays are inconclusive or are not the diagnostic modality that is indicated.
Color flow Doppler allows us to visualize blood flow which is helpful in evaluating the heart, identifying liver shunts, and examining blood flow to masses prior to surgery (thus allowing for better surgical planning and less intra-operative hemorrhage). Often, abnormalities (particularly masses) may be diagnosed using ultrasound guided needle aspirates. The specimens obtained can then be sent for cytologic evaluation by a pathologist. In this way we can sometimes avoid the need for anesthesia and surgical biopsy. When we ultrasound dogs and cats we begin by shaving a small area of hair where the ultrasound will be performed. Generally no sedation or anesthesia is required to perform an ultrasound. Ultrasound gel is applied to your pet, and ultrasounds usually take twenty to thirty minutes to perform. Dogs and cats may have food and water before coming in for an ultrasound. If we are performing an ultrasound of the bladder or kidneys, we would prefer that your pet not urinate for several hours prior to the ultrasound. |
Ultrasound of the Heart (Echocardiography): Ultrasound of the chest and heart are performed when heart murmurs or arrhythmias are detected, or when fluid or masses are present in the chest. With ultrasound we are able to watch the heart chambers and valves in real-time, as well as making precise measurements indicative of heart function. This gives us valuable information not obtainable with x-rays.
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Ultrasound for Pregnancy: Ultrasound of dogs and cats can identify pregnancy earlier than x-rays (twenty five days gestation versus forty five days). Although ultrasound can give us a general idea of how many puppies or kittens to expect, x-rays give a more accurate head count.
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Ultrasound of the Bladder and Kidneys: Ultrasound of the bladder is often performed in dogs and cats with persistent urinary tract infections to look for bladder stones, tumors, polyps, and structural abnormalities. Kidney ultrasounds look for kidney infection (pyelonephritis), tumors, kidney stones, and structural problems that can help us guide treatment in cases of kidney disease and kidney failure.
Ultrasound of the Abdomen: Ultrasound of the abdomen is performed for a diverse array of problems. Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the spleen, liver, pancreas, lymph nodes, and gall bladder. In addition, abdominal ultrasound is used to examine the reproductive tract including the uterus and prostate.