Service available at our Pet Care Partners Veterinary Centers
Cardiac and abdominal ultrasounds are essential diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine, offering detailed insights into your pet’s internal structures and aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions.
Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography)
Used to evaluate the heart’s structure and function, cardiac ultrasounds help diagnose:
- Heart Murmurs: Determine cause and severity, assess heart function.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Conditions like Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD).
- Cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic (HCM), Dilated (DCM), and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Valvular Heart Disease: Mitral/tricuspid valve disease, aortic/pulmonic stenosis.
- Pericardial Effusion: Fluid around the heart.
- Congestive Heart Failure: Evaluate function and treatment progress.
- Endocarditis: Infection of heart valves or lining.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: Increased lung artery pressure.
- Arrhythmias: Structural evaluation of abnormal heart rhythms.
- Heart Tumors: Tumors like hemangiosarcoma affecting the heart.
Abdominal Ultrasound
This provides a detailed view of internal organs and is used to diagnose:
- Liver Disease: Hepatitis, tumors, hepatic lipidosis, cirrhosis.
- Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease, polycystic kidneys, tumors.
- Bladder/Urethral Issues: Stones, tumors, cystitis, obstructions.
- Gastrointestinal Conditions: IBD, foreign bodies, tumors, intussusception.
- Pancreatic Disease: Pancreatitis, tumors, cysts.
- Spleen Disorders: Masses, torsion, hematomas.
- Reproductive Conditions: Pyometra, pregnancy, ovarian cysts/tumors.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Cushing’s, Addison’s, adrenal tumors.
- Abdominal Masses: Tumors, cysts, abscesses.
- Ascites: Fluid buildup from heart/liver disease or cancer.
- Gallbladder Disease: Cholecystitis, gallstones, mucoceles.
- Lymph Node Enlargement: Infection, inflammation, cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ultrasound necessary for my pet?
If your veterinarian has recommended an ultrasound, it usually means they are looking for a way to better understand what is going on, such as to visualize the heart, liver, or other organs. An ultrasound enables us to get answers quickly, safely, and without needing to perform surgery or cause pain or stress to your pet.
Will my pet be safe during the appointment?
Yes. An ultrasound does not hurt. Most pets simply lie there and relax while we do the ultrasound, and sometimes they even fall asleep. It is that gentle!
Is there anything I need to do before taking my pet in for their ultrasound?
Not really! We may ask you to skip breakfast or to wait a little while before using the bathroom. This will help ensure that we have the clearest image. And yes, we may shave a little patch of fur on your pet - even if we do, it will grow right back.
How long will it take, and then what happens?
Typically, it will take about 30-60 minutes. Your pet can go home with you right after the ultrasound, and we will go through all of the pictures we took and tell you what it means for your pet's care.
