Veterinary Ultrasound for Pets
Animals operate with a complex set of biological organs, systems, glands, chemicals, and connections, creating the ability to function when things are working right. However, when a problem develops, a pet can get sick or have difficulties. Internal pet medicine often gets involved to see what’s happening inside when the cause is not visible. One of the tools used at Jimmie Davis Highway Animal Hospital in Bossier City, LA, is an ultrasound.
How Ultrasound Works in a Veterinary Setting
An ultrasound (formally known as ultrasonography) uses sound and echo recording to create an image of internal biological tissue. Unlike an X-ray, which only shows complex substances like bone, an ultrasound can produce a visual representation of the inside of a body, which is advantageous for looking at internal organs without surgery or invasive procedures.
The first application of ultrasound on animals became popular when examining a canine patient for pregnancy status. Since then, animal ultrasound application has expanded to heart examinations, internal organ exams, abdominal screens (standard with dogs eating rocks), and identification of internal cysts and tumors.
What's Possible to See
Where ultrasound does not work, it generally involves a body part or tissue with air or an air pocket. That’s because the ultrasound sound wave has nothing to bounce off of, failing to produce an echo that the sensor picks up. So, the animal’s lungs, for example, would not be viable for an ultrasound exam. Nor would the skull or spine since bone blocks the ultrasound from seeing inside.
Veterinarians use what is known as B-mode ultrasound, which provides a bright, two-dimension image for review. Again, it’s ideal for abdominal systems, pregnancy, cardiac systems, and even the animal eye. During the procedure, the animal needs to be kept calm. There is no need for any sedatives or injections. The animal feels no pain or sensation aside from the placement of the sensor. The preparation needed is a bit of a fur shaving of the area to be examined for a clean sensor application.
Receive Local Ultrasound Expertise in Bossier City, LA
Jimmie Davis Highway Animal Hospital has a complete equipment set and trained veterinary personnel to apply ultrasound exams to animals and pets. In addition, their team works with the latest technology to help diagnose causes and sources of problems in pets via internal views and visual examination.
Not only does this approach avoid unnecessary invasive procedures when not needed, but it also applies advanced technology to help solve animal health problems in Bossier City more effectively. So when you want practical, comprehensive care for your pet, Jimmie Davis Highway Animal Hospital in Bossier City, LA, should be your top go-to location. Call our office at (318) 742-5353 to schedule an appointment.