Ultrasounds for Dogs & Cats in Lethbridge
Our furry friends can develop many different illnesses and conditions such as tumours or cysts and get into things they shouldn't that may get lodged inside them. Veterinary ultrasounds are a non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool that transmits sound waves into the body to create extremely detailed images of your pet's internal structures.
With ultrasound imaging, we expose part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. Because we capture ultrasound images in real-time, we can not only see the structure but also the movement of your pet's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.
We are proud to offer this technology on-site in our veterinary diagnostic lab and without the need for a referral. Being able to produce these images in-house means that we can provide your pet with a diagnosis sooner, allowing treatment to begin right away.
Ultrasound FAQs
Please read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about veterinary ultrasounds.
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Will my pet need anesthesia?
The procedures are painless, so we don’t need to use anesthesia. The patient will be required to remain still so we can obtain clear images for accurate diagnosis.
Our team aims to keep your pet calm during the procedure. However, if they are anxious or experiencing pain due to an existing health issue, we may opt for sedation.
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What medical issues can an ultrasound diagnose?
- Bladder stones/mass
- Cystocentesis-guided urine collection
- Kidney stones
- Large abdominal masses in the liver, kidneys, spleen etc.
- Free abdominal fluid (like in the chest) and collecting a sample
- Pregnancy less than 25 days
- Pyometra (uterus infection)
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What’s the difference between an ultrasound and X-rays?
Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to create images of the specific body part the handheld probe is moving across. These images are shown in real time, allowing us to see the movement of their blood and internal structures.
X-rays are used to generate still images of your pet’s internal structures using low levels of radiation. These are both safe and non-invasive imaging technologies that make a difference in helping us have a more accurate diagnosis for your pet.
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Are referrals needed for ultrasounds?
No, our veterinarians at Northside Veterinary Clinic do not require a referral for you to schedule an ultrasound for your pet.
We are proud to offer ultrasounds to all pets who need one. Whether you are an existing client, or if it will be your first time at our animal hospital, we are here to help.
Our veterinary team will also accept referrals from other animal hospitals. If your primary care veterinarian feels as though your cat or dog should undergo ultrasound imaging, ask them to reach out to us today.
Why Would Your Pet Need an Ultrasound?
Veterinary ultrasound can help us examine your pet's internal organs so blockages, tumours and other problems can be identified. We may request an ultrasound for your pet if they have abnormal bloodwork results, if they have experienced trauma or if we see visible signs of an internal health issue.
Ultrasounds can help us distinguish soft tissue masses from fluid or foreign bodies - a task that may be challenging or impossible to complete with a digital X-ray.
By leveraging ultrasounds and other diagnostic tools for cats and dogs, we can provide an accurate diagnosis of your pet's medical issues, so we can plan and implement effective treatment.