INTERNAL MEDICINE
ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION IN DOGS AND CATS
An ultrasound examination is a non invasive diagnostic procedure in which a probe placed on the skin emits high frequency sound waves that penetrate the body and are reflected back to the probe and converted to real time moving images. This examination is painless, and usually requires no sedation or anesthesia. An ultrasound procedure typically takes less than 30 minuets to perform. Your pet’s hair will be clipped for the procedure. Ultrasound is useful in evaluating diseases of internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, urinary bladder, prostate and pancreas. It is helpful in evaluation of the cause of fluid build up in either the abdominal or thoracic cavities such as masses or tumors. Ultrasound can be used to help guidance of biopsy instruments or catheters. Biopsy procedure often requires testing of blood clotting ability and require sedation or anesthesia. When ultrasound is used to evaluate the heart, it is called echocardiography. Ultrasound is one of the most often performed diagnostic procedures performed by our internal medicine and oncology departments.