Ultrasound is a method of looking at the internal ‘soft tissue’ organs of the body. It is a non-invasive means of visualising organs such as the heart, spleen, liver, kidneys and bladder. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound has been a great advance in veterinary medicine as it allows us to visualise the abdominal contents without surgery.
During an ultrasound scan, the patient is placed on a table and gently held. An ultrasound probe, which looks a bit like a microphone, is held against the part of the body being imaged. The probe transmits and receives ultrasound waves, and a computer then analyses the waves and builds up a picture of the parts of the body that are being investigated. This examination is often performed conscious, although a mild sedation may be indicated if your pet is anxious or wriggly.
Ultrasound waves do not pass through air and, because of this, the patient must be prepared carefully for the examination. The patient’s hair must be clipped in the region that is being examined, and a gel is applied to both the skin and the probe, to ensure good contact between them.
Advanced Ultrasonography - In addition to the practice ultrasound, we are very fortunate to have a visiting specialist, Maggs Costello MVB, DVR, Dip.ECVDI, MRCVS. RCVS and European Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging. This allows a specialist scan to be performed at the practice without the need for travelling. Maggs' advanced skills and ultrasound equipment give a greater picture of the internal organs and enables the collection of biopsies or samples if required.