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Ultrasonography

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Ultrasounds

At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to offer advanced ultrasonography services as part of our comprehensive diagnostic care. Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging tool that allows us to look inside your pet’s body with precision and clarity, helping us diagnose a variety of medical conditions.

Ultrasonography (also called ultrasound or sonography) is a noninvasive, pain-free procedure that uses sound waves to examine a pet’s internal organs and other structures inside the body. It can be used to evaluate the animal’s heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and bladder; to detect fluid, cysts, tumors, or abscesses; and to confirm pregnancy or monitor an ongoing pregnancy.

We may use this imaging technique in conjunction with radiography (x-rays) and other diagnostic methods to ensure a proper diagnosis.

Important Guidelines for Scheduling and Preparing Patients

Patients undergoing an ultrasound will require light sedation to help them remain still for accurate imaging. If your pet is particularly nervous, administering oral medication before drop-off can help keep them calm and make the experience less stressful. Our team will determine the best sedation plan to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.

It is essential that your pet is fasted for at least 12 hours before the procedure. This means no food during this time, but water is allowed. Fasting helps improve image clarity and allows for a more thorough examination. Additionally, if your pet is a neutered male, we recommend preventing urination before the ultrasound to improve imaging of the prostate.

To ensure the clearest images, your pet’s abdomen will be shaved in the area where the ultrasound will be performed. While this may seem concerning, fur can obstruct ultrasound waves, making it difficult to obtain clear images. Rest assured that the shaved area will grow back within a few weeks.

What to Expect During the Ultrasound

1

Procedure Duration

The ultrasound itself typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the exam and the area being evaluated. During this time, your pet will be gently positioned on a soft, padded surface to keep them as comfortable as possible. Our team works efficiently to minimize stress while ensuring we capture high-quality images to aid in diagnosis.
2

Shave & Application of Gel

To obtain the clearest images, a gel and alcohol solution is applied to the shaved area of your pet’s body. This helps the ultrasound probe make proper contact with the skin, allowing the sound waves to pass through efficiently. The gel is completely safe and non-irritating, though it may feel cool when first applied.
3

Comfort and Sensation

Your pet may feel mild pressure as the ultrasound probe moves across their skin, but the procedure itself is painless and non-invasive. Since ultrasounds require stillness for the best imaging, light sedation is often recommended (or required) to help keep your pet calm. If your pet is particularly anxious, we may discuss additional sedation options to ensure their comfort.
4

Monitoring and Care

Throughout the procedure, our veterinary team carefully monitors your pet’s comfort and well-being. If sedation is used, we will ensure that your pet remains stable and recovers smoothly. After the ultrasound, we will clean off any remaining gel, and your pet will be ready to return home with you. If sedation was administered, they may feel slightly groggy for 12 to 24 hours, so we recommend keeping them in a quiet, comfortable space as they fully recover.

When Will I Get Results?

Ultrasound results are typically available within 1-2 business days. Once we receive the full report, our team will contact you to discuss the findings and recommend any necessary next steps.

If your pet has an upcoming ultrasound or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to providing compassionate and advanced care to keep your pets healthy and happy!