Ultrasound Veterinary - Dogs and Cats
What is veterinary ultrasound? It’s a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows veterinarians to visualize the internal structures of animals. Using high-frequency sound waves, it creates real-time images of organs, tissues, and blood flow, which helps in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions.
What is veterinary ultrasound?
This technology is essential in veterinary practice for examining the heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs, as well as for monitoring pregnancies. It is also frequently used to guide needle biopsies for tissue sampling.
A major advantage of ultrasound is that it can be performed quickly with minimal sedation or restraint, making it a safe, efficient, and less stressful diagnostic option for animals. By providing detailed, real-time insights without the need for invasive surgery, veterinary ultrasound enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment.
The examination is pain-free; however, sometimes patients require mild sedation to ensure they remain relaxed during the procedure.
During the procedure, the patient's fur is clipped in the area to be examined. A gel is applied to the skin to enhance the examination and obtain higher-quality images.
At Elizavet, we utilize cutting-edge ultrasound technology equipped with four different probes tailored for specific organs. Our machine includes Color Doppler and elastography functions, enhancing the accuracy of examinations. We have recently installed advanced software and high-resolution imaging screens to ensure the highest quality imaging. Our sonographers hold postgraduate qualifications in diagnostic imaging, ensuring expert interpretation of results.
Why are ultrasound used in veterinary?
Ultrasound is widely used in veterinary medicine for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic purposes due to its non-invasive nature and ability to provide detailed imaging of soft tissues. Here are the primary reasons:
➤ Diagnostic Imaging
This helps in diagnosing a variety of conditions, including Abdominal organs (Examining the liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract for abnormalities like tumors, inflammation, or stones), Pregnancy monitoring (confirming pregnancy, estimating gestational age, and checking fetal health in animals) and Cardiology (evaluating the heart's structure and function using echocardiography, crucial for diagnosing heart diseases).
➤ Emergency Diagnostics
In emergency situations, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used to quickly assess critical conditions, such as internal bleeding, organ rupture, or fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen.
➤ Monitoring and Prognosis
Ultrasound helps in tracking the progression of diseases or monitoring response to treatments, such as assessing tumor shrinkage during cancer therapy.
Color Doppler
Color Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic technique used to visualise blood flow within vessels, providing valuable information on vascular conditions, heart function, and organ perfusion. It helps veterinarians to assess issues such as blood clots, abnormal blood flow, and cardiac abnormalities.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a procedure used to collect small tissue samples from a specific area, allowing the veterinarian to examine the cells under a microscope for diagnostic purposes. This minimally invasive technique provides valuable insights into the nature of the tissue, helping to diagnose conditions such as infections, tumors, or inflammation.
FNA is typically performed with the guidance of ultrasound or another imaging technique to ensure accurate needle placement. The procedure is generally quick, well-tolerated by the patient, and involves only minimal discomfort. It does not require sedation in most cases, making it a safe and efficient option for obtaining tissue samples without the need for more invasive surgery.
By providing precise, real-time information, fine-needle aspiration can help veterinarians make accurate diagnoses, determine the best course of treatment, and monitor ongoing conditions effectively.
Ultrasound veterinary - Guided Core biopsy
An ultrasound-guided core biopsy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples from your pet’s body. When your pet has a suspicious mass or abnormal tissue, an ultrasound-guided core biopsy allows us to gather crucial information without the need for surgery. The procedure uses ultrasound to guide a needle directly to the affected area, taking small samples that are then analyzed for a variety of conditions. It’s quick, safe, and provides reliable results to help determine the best course of treatment for your pet
Echocardiography
What is echocardiography Veterinary?
Signs of heart disease in pets can include coughing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, or fainting. However, some pets may not exhibit any obvious symptoms, and heart disease may only be identified during a routine checkup when a veterinarian detects a heart murmur or irregular heart rhythm. Certain breeds are also more prone to heart conditions, making regular screenings or pre-breeding evaluations essential.
If you suspect your pet may have heart disease or if your veterinarian notices any irregularities, an echocardiogram performed by a veterinary cardiologist can provide a clear diagnosis. Speak with your vet to determine whether an echocardiogram is recommended for your pet’s health.