Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique used to aid in the diagnosis of many medical conditions. Ultrasonography uses sound waves to generate images of internal organs and structures. An ultrasound exam is a non-invasive test, which is used to provide three dimensional, “real time” images of the body. Ultrasonography is a very safe technique which represents minimal risk to the patient, and most patients do not require sedation or anesthesia for exams. In order to obtain accurate images, patients must be fasted the night before the exam and will have some of their fur clipped or shaved from the body.

Common uses of ultrasound include supplementing information from radiographs (x-rays), verifying pregnancy, obtaining urine samples, aiding in accurate aspirates and biopsies, and checking for fluid accumulation in body cavities.