At Cimarron Animal Clinic in Stillwater we offer state-of-the-art medical technology. One of the diagnostic tools we use is ultrasound, which creates images of the inner workings of the body.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to offer a non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free method of imaging your pet's internal organs. This is one of the many ways we are dedicated to providing your pet with the best care possible.
By using ultrasound, we have yet another powerful tool at our disposal to detect, diagnose, and prevent illness in your pet.
Real-time ultrasound imaging evaluating abdominal organs and cardiac function.
Why Ultrasound is a Cornerstone of Internal Diagnostics
Ultrasonography delivers unique clinical benefits: - Completely Non-Invasive & Pain-Free: Ultrasound uses harmless acoustic sound waves with zero radiation exposure, making it safe for delicate patients, pregnant animals, and pediatric companions. - Real-Time Cross-Sectional Imaging: Allows clinicians to view heart valve motions, gastrointestinal peristalsis, and blood flow velocities using Doppler technology. - Precision Ultrasound-Guided Sampling: Facilitates safe, minimally invasive fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of suspicious internal nodules and sterile cystocentesis urine collection.
Common Indications for Veterinary Sonography
Our medical team utilizes ultrasonography to evaluate: - Abdominal Organ Architecture: Investigating elevated liver or kidney enzymes by assessing parenchymal texture, adrenal gland thickness, and splenic masses. - Gastrointestinal Pathology: Evaluating chronic vomiting, chronic diarrhea, bowel wall thickening (inflammatory bowel disease vs lymphoma), and foreign body obstructions. - Urinary Tract & Bladder: Detecting non-radiopaque radiolucent bladder calculi, polyps, and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). - Pregnancy Diagnosis: Confirming fetal viability, counting heartbeats, and calculating gestational age starting 25 to 30 days post-breeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet have to be shaved for an ultrasound?
Yes. Acoustic sound waves cannot travel through air pockets trapped within dense fur coats. A small square of hair over the abdomen is gently shaved and acoustic coupling gel applied to ensure crystal-clear acoustic contact.
Will my pet need to be put to sleep for an ultrasound?
In the vast majority of cases, no! Most pets comfortably relax on a padded trough with gentle reassurance while the probe is swept over the skin. Only extremely anxious or painful pets require light, reversible sedation.
How should I prepare my pet for an abdominal ultrasound?
Please fast your pet (no food for 10-12 hours prior) because food and gas in the stomach and intestines obstruct sound wave penetration. Do not let your dog urinate right before the visit, as a moderately full bladder provides an optimal acoustic window.