Like X-rays, ultrasound allows us to look at an image of what lies inside your pet. However, while X-rays are particularly useful for looking at boney structures, ultrasound excels at 'looking into' the soft tissues. It works by emitting a high frequency sound into the tissue under the probe which then picks up reflected sound to create an image based on the variation of absorption of sound by different tissues. This information forms an on-screen image which changes as the probe is moved over the body, or as parts of the body move beneath it.
Safe and painless with no requirement for sedation in most cases (unlike X-rays), ultrasound allows investigation and diagnosis of a range of conditions. It's particularly useful for examining the heart, the abdominal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, intestines and uterus, and can allow diagnosis of ligament and tendon injuries in the limbs. It facilitates early diagnosis of diseases ranging from injuries, cancer and pyometra (womb infection), to the presence of abnormalities like foreign bodies in the bowels; and also allows imaging of pregnancy.
So, be reassured that if your pet needs this type of investigation, we are able to offer it promptly, allowing rapid diagnosis of problems and early and effective treatment.
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