ultrasoundWe know finding out your pet needs even routine procedures and diagnostic testing can be scary for owners. At Sherwood Family Pet Clinic, serving Sherwood, OR, we are here to assist you. And we can answer some of the most common questions on pet ultrasounds.

What are Ultrasounds?

An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to “see” inside your pet. Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool. It is not painful for the pet yet provides valuable information, in some cases making a diagnosis and in some cases checking the progression of certain conditions. Some of the uses of ultrasound for pets are to evaluate the organs, check for tumors or masses, or check the status of a pregnancy. A specialized use of ultrasound, called echocardiogram, is to look at the heart and the major blood vessels. Ultrasound is one of the best ways to get the full picture of what is going on with your pet so treatment options can be recommended.

How to Prepare for a Pet Ultrasound?

For the majority of pet ultrasounds, the pet shouldn't eat for about 12 hours before the procedure but they can have fresh water. A full meal can make it more difficult to see the organs because the gas that can happen from eating may block the sound beam. For the best results, follow your veterinarian’s advice completely. 

When Will I Know the Results?

We know that you are going to be anxious to get results. We will talk with you as soon as results are available, which is usually the next day for the majority of patients. In addition to findings, we’ll recommend treatments, discuss long-term plans, and answer your questions . If your pet has an ultrasound where we take a biopsy, it may take longer to receive the results of that test but we will get your results to you as soon as possible.

Schedule a Pet Ultrasound at Our Animal Clinic in Sherwood, OR

If you believe that your pet needs an ultrasound or if you have other questions concerning this type of diagnostic procedure, contact Sherwood Family Pet Clinic in Sherwood, OR today. Call us at (775) 383 6154 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.