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What to Expect

Take a look inside your pet the kindest way possible!

  • Ultrasound is PAIN FREE and LOW STRESS.

  • It provides a wealth of medical information. 

  • It allows minimally invasive diagnostic sampling with aspiration if indicated.

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Your veterinarian may recommend a scan or you may request one through your primary vet. Your vet will be our primary point of contact.

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The area being scanned will be shaved. Your pet may receive a light sedative to collect the best diagnostic images possible.

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Your pet should be fasted for 12 hours prior to a scan. While food should be withheld, you can give your pet water. 

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The scan is performed on a  comfortable padded surface. Samples of abnormal organs or tumors can be collected.

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Pet owners must sign a waiver. Your veterinarian will provide a medical history for your pet.

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Your veterinarian will contact you with the specialist report findings, including diagnostic and treatment recommendations, as soon as they have reviewed it.

Some more information...

  • Abdominal Ultrasound - this test allows us to thoroughly look through the organs of the abdomen. It is hard to express how valuable this test is - we can see tumors, different disease patterns in organs, foreign bodies, see abnormal blood vessels like shunts, among many other conditions! We can then help with treatment recommendations. The BEST case scenario for every pet is what we call a "negative scan" which means that the abdomen appears normal. If you are lucky enough to get a "negative scan," you will have ruled out hundreds of illnesses with this one diagnostic test. All tests are sent to  specialist for a full interpretation and treatment plan specific to your pet.
     

  • Thoracic Ultrasound - this test allows us to evaluate the lungs, mediastinum, and the basics of the heart. It may be recommended if your pet has had chronic respiratory symptoms, may have a tumor in the chest, or other emergency situations.
     

  • Echocardiogram - this test allows us to assess the heart and surrounding blood vessels. We can see the chambers of the heart, measure them, and see how effectively the heart can pump blood. We can diagnose inherited health issues, chronic degenerative valve disease, and cancers among other things. All tests are sent to the cardiologist for a thorough interpretation and treatment plan specific to your pet.
     

  • Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration - this is a minimally invasive test performed with light sedation for the pet's comfort. Using a small needle and the ultrasound machine, we can collect cells from the exact abnormal area in an organ or fluid to help get a diagnosis. We also recommend sampling all tumors and enlarged lymph nodes to try to obtain a diagnosis. Prior to this test, only surgical biopsies under full anesthesia could get families this information. If Dr. Bakker or your veterinarian recommends an aspiration, we highly recommend you have it done!
     

  • Pregnancy Confirmation - Ultrasound is the best test for early information about possibly pregnancy pets. We recommend scans as early as 21 days after the LH peak in a timed breeding at which point we can see fetal heartbeats. Ultrasound can help tell the number of puppies, if they are viable and growing properly, if resorption is happening, and help determine if puppies are ready for cesarian section.

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