What Is An Ultrasound?

An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves higher than a humans hearing capability (hence the name ‘ultrasound’) to create an image of organs within your pets body. This allows vets to see potential issues, as well as rule out others and is a great aid for diagnosis and recommend treatment, especially when you consider a vet can’t talk to their patient like human doctors.

Common uses for an ultrasound are to examine the heart, lungs and abdomen. There is no pain or anaesthesia required in most cases and the sound waves are harmless to the body, however some pets may find the process uncomfortable because it is an unusual enviroment for them to be in, though most of the time with some friendly words and pats, animals relax for their examination. Our ultrasound equipment is computerised so information can be recorded and kept on record, or sent to specialist for further examination if required.

Why Would My Pet Require An Ultrasound?

There are a wide range of reasons your vet might suggest an ultrasound, and this is only a list of more common ones:

  • If a pet is experience weight loss
  • Recurring vomiting or diarrhea
  • Chronic infection
  • Change in toilet routines
  • Abnormal bloodwork
  • Review a previous problem
  • Oncological investigations
  • Fluid in chest or abdomen
  • Pregnancy
  • Before a surgery
  • Investigate for internal injuries after a serious incident e.g. car accident or high fall

Will My Pet Need to Be Shaved?

We do have to shave the area we are doing the ultrasound for a clear image. An ultrasound requires the probe to be placed on skin with nothing in between so the sound waves can travel through the body with minimal interference. We only shave the area being scanned and for most pets you can expect the hair to grow back in around a month and return as normal.