Ultrasound
Pet Ultrasound Services in Fort Lauderdale
DPC Veterinary Hospital is delighted to announce that we can now perform ultrasound scans onsite. Our investment in this technology provides our clients with faster diagnostic results and greater convenience. The new ultrasound machine is just the latest example of our commitment to provide the finest in veterinary care to Davie area pet owners and their four-legged friends.
An ultrasound scan is a painless, non-invasive diagnostic procedure that provides important information to the veterinarian for treating many internal conditions. Pet owners may be more familiar with the term “sonogram” which is the “picture” that is generated by the ultrasound scan.
These "pictures" are read by a veterinary radiologist who can use them to locate abnormalities in soft tissue organs including:
- Kidney stones
- Bladder stones
- Masses
- Intestinal abnormalities
Based on the information provided by the scan, the vet can make a more informed decision on the best treatment for the condition. Follow up scans can be used to see the effectiveness of the treatment.
In addition to scanning soft tissue organs, the ultrasound can be used to detect pregnancy in a pet. An ultrasound scan performed at least 28 days after your pet’s last ovulation can reveal if your female pet is pregnant.
The Ultrasound Scan from the Pet's Point of View
If the vet has scheduled an ultrasound scan you will be asked to withhold food for 24 hours prior to the appointment (water is ok). In preparing your pet for the scan we may have to shave off some hair/fur and apply a gel to ensure that the probe has good contact with the skin. For some breeds and personalities this is no big deal but for others we may have to give mild sedative to keep them calm. It’s important that the pet not move while the scan is being performed.
Once the scan is complete, we wipe off the gel and the pet is ready to go (and probably wants to chow down).
The scan is done by a technician who sends the sonogram “picture” to a veterinary radiologist for interpretation. The information that is provided by the scan can be invaluable in the treatment of your pet and that’s why we are so excited about being able to speed up the ultrasound process by performing the scan right here in our hospital.
Book an ultrasound by calling our veterinary office at (954) 989-9879 or book online.