Pet Ultrasound
A non-invasive way to diagnose sick & injured pets.
We offer veterinary ultrasounds for pets. Much like ultrasound for people, pet ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging technique used to diagnose sick and injured animals.
How does ultrasound work?
Ultrasound is the second most common type of diagnostic imaging tool veterinarians use to diagnose a dog's medical condition. Ultrasound uses non-invasive soundwaves to examine and photograph internal tissues in real-time, providing 3-dimentional images.
What conditions can be diagnosed by ultrasound?
Common symptoms that may cause a veterinarian to use ultrasound include vomiting, weight loss, elevations in kidney and liver values, cancer screening, Cushings disease and obtain samples (fluid or needle aspirates) for diagnosis of disease.
Some injuries and conditions that can be identified via ultrasound include:
- Bladder and kidney stones
- Gastrointestinal obstructions
- Pregnancy
- Cysts and tumors
- Heart conditions
Ultrasound also allows us to safely collect biopsy and fluid samples without having to perform invasive surgeries.
All of our doctors are trained in ultrasound to help manage their cases.
Dr. Callie Cunningham is our most experienced doctor with ultrasound and has completed a Don Low Fellowship at UC Davis. Dr. Cunningham can provide a very comprehensive ultrasound exam and report.
For referring veterinarians:
- Dr. Cunningham will do a complete abdominal ultrasound, record all images, provide an assessment, and complete a plan for next steps.
- Obtain fine needle aspirates of masses/spleen/liver or fluid if indicated.
- She will call you to go over the report and email records to you so that you can continue to manage your patient's care.
If your pet is showing signs of illness or injury, call us at (209) 847-2257 to schedule an appointment. An ultrasound may be able to assist in diagnosing the problem.
