What to Expect During Your Pet's Ultrasound Appointment

A Comfortable Experience with Compassionate Veterinary Care

We understand that diagnostic testing can sometimes feel overwhelming for pet owners. Our goal is to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

Step 1: Medical Evaluation

Our veterinary team reviews your pet's medical history, symptoms, physical examination findings, and any previous diagnostic results.

Step 2: Preparing for the Examination

For many abdominal ultrasound examinations, a small area of fur must be clipped to allow the ultrasound probe to make proper contact with the skin. A water-based ultrasound gel is applied to help produce clear images. Depending on the examination, your veterinarian may recommend withholding food beforehand or following other preparation instructions.

Step 3: Ultrasound Imaging

A trained team member gently moves the ultrasound probe over the area being examined while images are captured. Most pets tolerate the procedure well without sedation. However, sedation may occasionally be recommended based on the patient's comfort, temperament, medical condition, or the examination being performed.

Step 4: Diagnostic Interpretation

For comprehensive ultrasound examinations, images are submitted to a veterinary radiologist for a detailed interpretation. For focused FAST scans, the findings are assessed and documented according to the specific clinical questions being investigated.

Step 5: Results and Next Steps

Your veterinarian reviews the findings and discusses any recommended treatment, additional testing, or follow-up care. Our priority is to ensure that you understand your pet's condition and feel informed about the available options.