Ultrasounds are a safe, non-invasive method to get a closer look at your pet’s health. Using soundwaves instead of radiation, ultrasound provides detailed images of internal organs. The heart and abdominal organs are the most common organs that are examined by ultrasound but the thyroid, lungs, and masses can also be assessed.
Ultrasound does not produce any heat or cause any pain to the patient. The worst part for your pet might be the cold ultrasound gel – though at Veterinary Diagnostic Centers, we warm the gel to make the experience more comfortable!
We know you want to feel prepared and make the visit as smooth as possible – for both you and your pet. That’s why we’ve created this article – to walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens during the procedure.
A little preparation goes a long way in making your pet’s ultrasound appointment as easy and comfortable as possible. With a few thoughtful steps, together we can help make the process smooth and stress-free for both you and your pet.
For abdominal ultrasounds only, your pet will need to fast for 8–12 hours before the ultrasound. This helps reduce gas in their stomach and intestines, making it easier to get clear images of their internal organs.Water, though, does not need to be restricted. If your pet is on insulin or another medication that must be given with food please consult with your veterinarian.
A visit to the vet can be stressful, but there are a few things you can do to help your pet feel more at ease:
To make the process easier, it’s a good idea to bring:
Knowing what to expect during your pet’s ultrasound can make the experience feel more manageable. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process, step by step.
When you arrive, our front desk team will greet you and ask a few quick questions about your pet’s health or confirm any details about the procedure. This is also a good time to bring up any last-minute concerns or ask questions — our goal is to make sure you feel confident and informed before we begin. We only see one pet at a time so the lobby will be calm.
We know how important it is to keep your pet as comfortable and stress-free as possible during the procedure. That’s why our team is Fear Free Certified, meaning we’re specially trained to reduce anxiety and create a positive experience for your pet. We use gentle handling techniques – to help them feel safe.
Unlike busy clinics, we focus on one patient at a time to keep things calm and quiet. This approach reduces noise and chaos, creating a space where your pet can relax and feel less overwhelmed.
Need a pet ultrasound? Whether it’s for a routine check or a specific concern, our team is ready to provide the expertise and care your pet deserves.
Ultrasounds are one of the most effective tools for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of health conditions in pets. They give us a clear picture of what’s happening inside, without the need for invasive procedures. Here are some of the most common reasons your veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound:
Ultrasounds allow us to closely examine major organs like the liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, and bladder. We’re not just looking at their size and shape – we’re evaluating how well they’re functioning. For example:
If a lump or bump was discovered during a physical exam, an ultrasound can help determine what it might be. Is it a benign cyst? A tumor? Or something else entirely? This imaging gives us critical information for creating the best treatment plan.
When pets experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive problems, ultrasounds help pinpoint the cause. We can detect
Once your pet’s ultrasound is complete, we will transmit the images to one of our board certified specialists to create a report that is typically received within 24 hours or less.When the report comes back either our veterinarian or your veterinarian will discuss the results with you.
In certain cases, we’ll share preliminary observations with you at the time of the appointment. For example, we might note visible abnormalities, organ irregularities, or other findings during the scan that could be sampled by our staff at the time of your appointment to attempt to obtain further information. Typically, though, results will be provided once the report is received by the specialist.
Once your veterinarian has reviewed the results they will formulate next recommendations for your pet whether that are further diagnostic tests or treatments. In some cases, they might recommend follow-up diagnostics, like blood work, biopsies, or other imaging tests, to confirm a diagnosis or gather more information.
Most pets can go back to their usual routine immediately after the ultrasound. If your pet did have sedation it may take a couple of hours for them to get back to their normal selves.
We know that receiving test results can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to walk you through every step, explain what was found, and discuss the specialist’s comments. Our goal is to give your veterinarian the information they need to make the best recommendations for your pet’s health.
An ultrasound can feel like a big step, but it’s one of the safest and most effective tools for understanding your pet’s health. Whether it’s helping to diagnose a concern, monitor a condition, or confirm good news, this non-invasive procedure gives you and your veterinarian the insights needed to make informed decisions about your pet’s care.
At our center, you and your pet’s comfort and well-being are always our top priorities. From gentle handling techniques to a calm and focused environment, we’re dedicated to making the process as easy as possible.
If your pet has been referred for an ultrasound, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process!
