Pet Ultrasound
A non-invasive way to diagnose sick & injured pets.
We are proud to offer in-house ultrasound services for dogs and cats not only as a diagnostic tool but also for “wellness” scans incorporated as a part of preventative care.
It is non-invasive and can aid in the diagnosis of mysterious ailments. Ultrasound can be used to guide a needle for biopsy where a tumor or growth is seen or when an organ is enlarged/abnormal in appearance.
Most dogs and cats remain relaxed throughout the procedure. The belly hair will need to be shaved. Mild sedation may sometimes be required, especially if a biopsy is indicated. We perform the ultrasounds in our "Quiet Room", and the patient lays on a padded bed for comfort. Sometimes we pair x-rays with ultrasound to complete our imaging needs.
Dr. Daffner has attended two full courses at UC Davis and also spent time with a board-certified radiologist in order to “hone” her ultrasound skills.
How does ultrasound work?
When the sound waves penetrate the body, they “bounce” back. The ultrasound machine measures the time it takes for a sound wave to bounce back and create an image.
image
Here we have a photo of our receptionist Kim's dog Lola: Lola has had an elevated liver value and we have been keeping an eye on her gall bladder issues.
What conditions can be diagnosed by ultrasound?
Some injuries and conditions that can be identified via ultrasound include:
- Bladder and kidney stones
- Gastrointestinal obstructions
- Pregnancy
- Cysts and tumors
- Heart conditions
Ultrasound also allows us to safely collect biopsy and fluid samples without having to perform invasive surgeries.
If your pet is showing signs of illness or injury, call us at (310) 376-0072 to schedule an appointment. An ultrasound may be able to assist in diagnosing the problem.
