Ultrasonography
Ultrasound Machine
What is an ultrasound machine?
An ultrasound machine emits ultrasound waves that penetrate into your pet’s organs. They are reflected back into the hand-held probe that is placed on the skin and the pattern of the reflected sound waves creates an image that is viewed on a screen.
What is examined during an ultrasound examination?
Most often, the abdomen is the focus of an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound examination gives a detailed view of many of the body’s organs. The kidneys, for example, are seen on x-rays, but only their size and shape can be determined. Ultrasound examination allows us to view the internal structures of the kidneys and other organs and determine if there are any irregularities. Changes in the organ textures can be noted and ultrasound is one of the best ways to locate any tumors or abnormal growths.
An ultrasound examination is especially helpful for diseases of the heart. It is called an echocardiogram or an “echo.” The heart’s wall thicknesses can be measured, and the size of its chambers can be determined. Motion can be detected so that an assessment can be made of the ability of the heart to pump blood. The heart valves can be examined to determine if they are functioning properly.
What Happens if there are abnormalities found during the ultrasound?
One of the important features of an ultrasound examination is the ability to identify abnormal areas in organs. This permits precise biopsy of those areas using a technique called an ultrasound-guided biopsy. A biopsy gives a pathologist a section of tissue that can be examined under the microscope for more information. In many cases, the pathologist provides the disease diagnosis.
What steps need to be taken to prepare for an ultrasound exam?
No special preparation is needed if the heart is to be studied.
If organs in the abdomen are to be studied, your pet should be fasted for twelve hours prior to the ultrasound. The urinary bladder is best visualized if it is full of urine. Therefore, do not let your pet urinate within three to six hours of the ultrasound procedure, if possible.
Is anesthesia required?
If your pet is cooperative, no anesthesia or sedation is needed to perform an ultrasound on the heart or the abdomen. However, if biopsies are to be taken, a short-acting anesthetic will be needed to help relax your pet during the procedure and prevent potential complications.
Is it necessary to shave my pet’s hair?
In most cases, yes. This is because the ultrasound waves are not transmitted through air and the hair can create interference resulting in blurred images. Therefore it is imperative that the hand-held probe is in complete contact with the skin. Sometimes the hair can be moistened with alcohol, but most ultrasound studies require the area to be shaved.
What organs cannot be studied with ultrasound?
Air is the enemy of ultrasound waves. Since the lungs are air-filled, they cannot be studied. The exception is a mass that is located within the lungs. Bone also stops ultrasound waves, so the brain and spinal cord are not seen with an ultrasound study.
When will I know the results of the examination?
Since an ultrasound study is performed in real time, the results of what is seen are known immediately. In some cases, the ultrasound images may be sent to a veterinary radiologist for further consultation. If this happens, the final report may not be available for a few days.
Is the technique affordable?
Although the initial cost of a scan may seem excessive, it has to be equated with the high cost of the equipment, the fact that specialist training is required in order to interpret the images and the time involved in carrying out the examination. Its value, particularly in cases such as pregnancy diagnosis, evaluation of the internal organs, heart function, blood flow and eyes, make it an invaluable, non-invasive diagnostic tool to help protect to your pet’s well-being.
