An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of a pet's internal organs. 

How it works
A veterinarian moves a handheld probe across the pet's skin, applying gentle pressure to the area of interest. The probe emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal structures and return to the probe. The sound waves are converted into a two-dimensional image that appears on a monitor. 

What it can show
An ultrasound can show the structure and movement of a pet's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. It can help identify blockages, tumors, and other problems. 

When it's used
A veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound if a pet is showing symptoms such as:
---Significant weight loss
---Loss of appetite
---Vomiting or diarrhea
---Distended stomach
---Abnormal blood work
---Abnormal amounts of fluid in the abdomen

Benefits
Ultrasounds are painless, relatively quick, and have no known side effects. They can also be used to monitor the progress of pregnancy or to assess the effectiveness of treatments.

All ultrasound pets will be required to be fasted for at least 8 hours prior to their appointment. Not only does this help reduce risks associated with sedation, but for abdomen ultrasounds, having an empty stomach permits better imaging of the liver and surrounding organs.

This refers to FOOD ONLY. Your pet may continue to have free access to water until their appointment time.

Unless your primary veterinarian or the veterinarians at AVID direct you to feed your pet prior to arrival (either due to age, species, or possible disease), all patients need to be fasted.

Ultrasound patients generally receive some level of sedation to allow for the best image capture possible. 

This sedation is light enough to allow the patient to lay queitly with relaxed muscles. Some patients require more sedation than others. 

Most pets do not need anesthesia (full sedation/unable to walk).

Depending on the location of the ultrasound, as well as your pet's hair coat thickness and length, your pet may have that area shaved. 

Hair traps air around it which disrupts the ultrasound waves creating very poor images. 

Most abdomen ultrasounds are shaved. Other locations depend on the individual pet.

Often times, if a lesion or concern is identified during ultrasound, the veterinarians of AVID will be able to obtain a sample for additional diagnostics. Sampling may include needle aspiration of organs or masses, sampling of any free fluid, or obtaining samples of urine or fluid from any identified cysts or suspected abscesses.

If there are concerns associated with any risk of bleeding, additional diagnostics such as a clotting panel will be recommended. This, along with full blood work can be conducted prior to the imaging appointment with your primary veterinarian.

Results will be sent directly to your primary veterinarian. 

Ultrasound reports are typically received within 3 days. 

Sample diagnostics can range anywhere from 3-10 days depending on the type of diagnostic(s) conducted. All results will be automatically forwarded to your primary veterinarian as they are received. So if multiple tests are conducted, each test will be sent as they are completed.