Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound imaging is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic tool used to visualize internal structures within an animal’s body. It works by using high-frequency sound waves that penetrate tissues and reflect back to produce real-time images displayed on a computer monitor. A hand-held probe is gently placed on the skin over the area of interest. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not involve any ionizing radiation and can more accurately view soft tissue structures.

Ultrasound is particularly effective for evaluating the heart and blood vessels, as well as vital abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenal glands, urinary bladder, and prostate. It often serves as a valuable alternative to exploratory surgery.

• Abdominal Ultrasound
  • Abdominal ultrasounds are highly effective for detecting changes in organ shape, size, structure, tissue density, and position. They can help identify masses or tumors, abnormal fluid accumulation, stones in the bladder or kidneys, and enlarged or abnormal lymph nodes. In many cases, ultrasound guidance is used to safely collect samples from abnormal tissue or fluid using a fine needle or biopsy instrument.
• Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)
  • Ultrasound is especially beneficial in diagnosing heart conditions through a procedure called echocardiography, or “echo.” This test allows for measurement of heart wall thickness, assessment of chamber size, evaluation of heart motion and pumping ability, and visualization of heart valves to determine their function and condition.