We offer the following services to better diagnose, define and manage disease conditions for cats and dogs:
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound is used to visualize the organ systems within the abdominal cavity. Abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, reproductive system, liver, biliary system, pancreas, and lymph nodes may be identified.
Cardiac/thoracic ultrasound
Cardiac ultrasound is most commonly used to determine the cause of a heart murmur and to determine if medical intervention is indicated. In addition, cardiac ultrasound may identify diseases of the heart muscle, pericardium, and some heart-based tumors. Thoracic ultrasound focuses on other structures within the the chest cavity and in some cases the lungs.
ECG (electrocardiogram)
An ECG is an electrical recording of the heart rate and rhythm and is often used in conjunction with a cardiac ultrasound when evaluating pets with heart conditions.
Blood Pressure
Systemic blood pressure can be abnormal in pets with heart disease, kidney disease, and other conditions. Very high or low values may affect treatment recommendations.
Ultrasound-guided Sample Collection
Abdominocentesis
Some illnesses result in the accumulation of moderate to large volumes of fluid within the abdominal cavity. Removal of this fluid temporarily allows for greater pet comfort, improved appetite and breathing, and may also aid in the diagnosis of disease conditions by a fluid analysis.
Aspirate
Ultrasound is used to direct the placement of a small needle into abnormal tissue or fluid to collect a small sample for microscopic evaluation.
Pericardiocentesis
The pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart. If fluid accumulates in this sac, it limits the heart’s ability to fill with blood properly. Affected pets may experience heart failure as a result. Removal of this fluid can temporarily restore heart function and may aid in the diagnosis of disease conditions by fluid analysis.
Thoracocentesis
When moderate to large volumes of fluid accumulate within the chest cavity the ability of the lungs to expand is reduced resulting in difficulty breathing. Thoracocentesis temporarily removes the fluid and allows for improved breathing and appetite, and may aid in the diagnosis of disease conditions by fluid analysis.