Radiology is another diagnostic tool that may aid in the diagnosis of disease. The doctor may recommend an x-ray to identify certain foreign bodies, heart disease, chest or abdominal or bone masses, joint diseases, etc. For some x-rays we may need to sedate your pet. In such case we will tell you to fast your cat/dog overnight.
Ultrasounds are performed on site (by appointment ONLY) by a board certified specialist, Diplomate at the American College of Veterinary Radiology. The doctor may recommend an ultrasound to identify certain foreign bodies, heart disease, chest or abdominal masses, bladder stones, etc.
Client’s instructions for ultrasounds
- Pets need to be fasted overnight because we need empty stomachs and guts in abdominal ultrasounds AND because we may need to apply sedation.
- Sedation is sometimes needed with “nice” cats and dogs because we need them to be relaxed enough to let the specialist push the probe on their bellies.
- We will need to shave the abdomen (abdominal ultrasounds) or axillas (armpits) for cardiac ultrasounds.
- The drop off time is important as we need time to prepare (shave, sedate, etc) for the ultrasound.
You will get an oral report when you pick up your pet but the detailed written report from the specialist will not be ready for a couple of days; our Doctors will call you then and discuss the details with you.
