grovercentervetVeterinary Ultrasound Rockville: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Safe, Non-Invasive Diagnostics
If your dog refuses his food or your cat has lost weight, you want the answers now and you do not want your pet to suffer from something that you can explain. That’s why veterinary ultrasound Rockville owners depend on has become an integral part of contemporary pet care. No incision, no radiation and in most cases no general anesthesia is required!
Thanks to ultrasound, a vet can view your pet’s body in real time without making a cut or sending radiation, and in most cases, without administering general anesthesia to your pet.
Diagnostic imaging at Grove Center Veterinary Hospital in Gaithersburg, MD helps us provide clear answers from vague symptoms. We can help you to understand the mechanics of ultrasound, what it can detect, and how your pet should be prepared for the procedure, and what to expect, so that you know what to do next.
In short: Veterinary ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure performed with high-frequency sound waves to “see” real-time images of a pet’s internal organs. It can be used to diagnose diseases of the liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, intestines and reproductive tract without surgery. Most scans are 20-45 minutes long and most pets remain alert and still during the entire scan.
What is Ultrasound in Veterinary Medicine?
Ultrasound (sonography) is similar to the sonar that is used on ships. A transducer, or handheld probe, sends harmless, high frequency waves into the body. These waves reflect off tissues and bounce back to the probe which are then transformed by a computer into the moving images on a screen. The images are live, meaning your veterinarian will be able to see the movement of organs, their size and internal texture in detail.
In contrast to X-rays, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation. This makes it a good choice for senior pets, kittens and puppies, and pregnant animals. This is a safety profile that is one of the first things most people are happy with when they look into a veterinarian’s ultrasound Rockville clinics have.
How Ultrasound is Different than X-Rays
There is no such thing as competition between x-rays and ultrasound. The radiographs are very useful for examining bones, the outline of the heart and for evaluating the size and position of the organs. They do not give as much information about the contents of an organ. So ultrasound would fill that gap by providing information about the internal structure, and if you have a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass, ultrasound can help distinguish between them, or if an X-ray wouldn’t find the thickened intestinal walls.
Many cases can be helped by both. A vet might begin with a digital X-ray to see the general picture and then take an ultrasound of a specific area of interest. When taken together, they provide a much more complete picture than either one or the other.
Conditions Detected Using Ultrasound
The most common use of ultrasound is to look at the abdomen. Scans are often ordered for the following reasons:
- Liver and gallbladder disease such as changes in the texture of the liver and gallbladder disease
- Kidney disease, kidney stones and structural changes of the kidney.
- Bladder stones, thickened bladder walls and urinary blockages
- Swellings or growths in the spleen, liver or any other organ
- Inflammatory bowel disease, foreign objects swallowed and intestinal thickening.
- Pancreatitis and other digestive issues.
- Enlarged lymph nodes and free fluid in abdomen.
- Confirmation of pregnancy and fetal heartbeats are conducted
Ultrasound is also used to direct a thin needle to extract cells from a suspicious area to aide your veterinarian in diagnosis without extensive surgery.
Advantages of Choosing Veterinary Ultrasound in Rockville
There are several reasons why you should opt for veterinary ultrasound services from Rockville families.
It’s important to keep your pet convenient when they are feeling sick. If your pet has been seen by your regular veterinarian, you’re already familiar with your pet’s history, bloodwork and exam findings. No more retesting, records being transferred, or symptom explanation to an unknown person. Grove Center Veterinary Hospital is a full-service small animal veterinary office, providing medical, surgical and dental services and diagnostics, so diagnostics can be immediately incorporated into a treatment plan.
Local access saves precious time as well. A quick image can be the difference between a simple fix and an emergency when a pet is vomiting, straining to urinate or appears to be in pain. Veterinary ultrasound Rockville and Gaithersburg pet owners can access within a short drive means quicker answers and less stress to all.
Indications That Your Pet Might Require an Ultrasound
These signs may lead to a scan being recommended and your veterinarian will determine if a scan is appropriate following a physical exam.
- Continued vomiting or diarrhea
- No interest in food (or weight loss)
- Feeling thirsty or needing to urinate more often than usual
- An enlarged and tender belly
- Blood in the urine, or difficulty passing urine.
- Abnormal blood tests including high liver/kidney enzymes
- A lump or mass detected during physical examination or imaging (X-ray)
- Yellowing of gums, skin or eyes
If you don’t get these symptoms, there’s no need to wait. Early imaging can provide earlier and better treatment.
What to Expect, What to Bring
The procedure is simple and is done to maintain your pet’s comfort. Typical visit is as follows:
- Preparation: Your veterinarian will also ask you to keep food out of your dog’s stomach for a few hours because this can obstruct viewing. Water is generally okay. Follow the directions you are given.
- Positioning: Your pet is gently laid on their back or side, sometimes on a padded table or trough.
- Clipping and gel: The fur is shaved over the scan area to ensure good contact with the probe and warm gel conducts the sound waves.
- Scanning: The veterinarian glides the probe across all of the organs, capturing images and measurements. Most pets settle down readjusting their bodies rapidly, but pets that are anxious or painful may require gentle sedation.
- Results: Your veterinarian discusses the results with you and tells you if additional testing (blood samples, needle samples, referral to a specialist, etc.) is necessary.
The procedure is non-invasive, so most pets are comfortable to go home the same day and return to normal activity rapidly. They might be drowsy for several hours if they were sedated.
Is Ultrasound SAFE for My Pet?
Yes. The use of ultrasound has been safe for decades in veterinary and human medicine. No radiation exposure, no contrast dye for regular exams and no recovery period for most patients. That is why veterinary ultrasound Rockville owners seek is regarded as one of the best diagnostic tools around for pets.
How to Prepare Your Pet
With a bit of preparation your veterinarian can obtain clear images and accurate answers. Take a list of symptoms and when they began, and any medicines and supplements your pet uses. If your pet has not come to us before, share any information from previous clinics. If possible, refrain from letting your pet urinate just before arriving at the vet’s office as it will create a better image. Last but by no means least, bring a favourite blanket or toy along to comfort your pet.
The Ultrasound Exam Cost: Factors to Consider
Cost depends on the area scanned, your pet’s size, sedation requirements and needle sample collection. Instead of taking a leap, have a quote from your veterinary team prior to the visit. Rockville pet owners considering options for veterinary ultrasound should consider the broader picture, such as the convenience of being able to have the exam, imaging and follow up care completed in one location. Payment options such as CareCredit and Cherry are also available at Grove Center.
Conclusion
With ultrasound, veterinarians can peer inside your pet, worry-free and reducing to a clear plan, providing them with a safe, fast, and detailed view of what is going on. Vet ultrasound Rockville owners can rely on is a good way to get your furry family member the proper diagnosis, whether it is for unexplained symptoms, abnormal bloodwork or pregnancy.
Contact Grove Center Veterinary Hospital by phone at (301) 963-0400 or schedule an appointment online if you want to find the best veterinary ultrasound Rockville and Gaithersburg families can trust. We are located at 9033 Gaither Road in Gaithersburg, MD 20877 and are equipped to treat your pet as family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rockville veterinarians recommend veterinary ultrasound services where?
Grove Center Veterinary Hospital (9033 Gaither Road Gaithersburg, Maryland) is a nearby full-service shop with diagnostic service on site. Contact (301) 963-0400 for an appointment to have your pet’s ultrasound.
Will my pet be hurt by an ultrasound?
No. The scan is painless. The gel and probe may feel cold and there is a short period of stillness required, which may be uncomfortable for some pets so mild sedation may be used in very anxious pets or pets that are already uncomfortable.
Do I have to give my pet anaesthetic?
General anesthesia is not necessary for most pets. Many pets may be scanned while still conscious. Sedation might be recommended for nervous animals or when a needle sample is to be taken.
How long does it take to get a pet scanned with ultrasound?
The length of time a pet scan takes will depend on the size of the pet and what the veterinarian is looking for, but most take between 20 and 45 minutes.
Is cancer detectable using ultrasound?
While ultrasound can identify masses, nodules and changes in organ texture that may indicate cancer, it cannot definitively diagnose cancer. To make a definite diagnosis, a sample of cells or tissue is often needed – this can often be done using ultrasound.
Is it possible to confirm pregnancy with ultrasound in dogs and cats?
Yes. It can confirm pregnancy and monitor fetal heartbeats using ultrasound, as early as three to four weeks after breeding. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend when is the best time.
