Ultrasound technology uses sound waves transmitted into the body to create an image.
It is a very non-invasive modality that has no side effects. Ultrasound and x-rays together form a great diagnostic tool. While radiographs provide an overall picture of the abdomen or thorax, ultrasound allows us to look at the architecture of an organ, which can be very useful. Another advantage of ultrasound is that it is faster and more affordable than some other advanced imaging modalities, such as CT scans and MRIs. While CT scans and MRIs require deep general anesthesia, ultrasound rarely requires sedation (except in cases in which a patient is particularly anxious).
Advanced diagnostics for improved patient care.
Ultrasound has many uses. For example, when a pet has a tumor, this imaging tool enables us to see which organs are involved and how invasive the tumor is. This helps us with our treatment protocol and prognosis. Also, fluid can be distinguished from soft tissue masses or foreign bodies, which is sometimes difficult to differentiate on radiographs. Ultrasound is a useful tool to determine when patients have blood in the abdomen or around the heart, a diagnosis that can be life-saving.
Cutting edge diagnostics can save lives
Ultrasound is useful to rule out potential diagnoses such as bladder stones or a bladder tumor with a persistent urinary tract infection. It can also be used for fine-needle aspirates, which are small biopsies of organs or masses, or to obtain urine from the bladder.
The bottom line is that ultrasound improves the quality of veterinary diagnosis and care. Our state-of-the-art Ultrasound equipment and diagnostic probes provide top of the line images for accurate diagnoses. Likewise, Dr. Luther has trained extensively in advanced ultrasound techniques to provide your pet with the best diagnostics available. This allows us to most accurately evaluate and treat your best friend.