What training do you have in ultrasounds?
Years ago, I took a course at the Academy of Veterinary Imaging through Sound, and that course took about a year to complete. There were multiple in-person sessions and a lot of homework and practice that I had to submit, so it was pretty intensive. At the end of that, I did get a certificate for abdominal ultrasound imaging.
Dr. Cynthia Orange
Paw Haven Animal Hospital
What are some of the benefits of ultrasound?
Ultrasound can give us a different view into the body. For example, an x-ray gives us a one-second-in-time, one-period-of-time image, whereas an ultrasound allows me to see into the abdomen, observe how the intestines are moving, assess blood flow, measure organs in real time, and locate structures in a way that x-rays cannot.
What kind of patients would you recommend for ultrasound?
Any patient that the veterinarian recommends ultrasound for is a good candidate. Usually, this involves a pet that has had blood work showing abnormal values, such as elevated liver enzymes or kidney markers. We might recommend ultrasound to investigate these abnormalities further. It’s also useful if we suspect a pet has ingested a foreign body and x-rays are inconclusive, or if a pet is experiencing unexplained chronic vomiting. In such cases, ultrasound is often our first diagnostic step.
What can we diagnose with ultrasound?
The list of diagnoses we can make with ultrasound is extensive. It includes gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, blockages in the gut, liver disease, kidney disease, and tumors in various abdominal organs. The possibilities are vast.
Can you walk us through an ultrasound appointment?
Sure. When your pet is dropped off in the morning, they are usually fasted so we can evaluate the stomach and intestines without food present. I perform an initial exam to ensure their heart and overall condition are stable. If everything checks out, your pet will be lightly sedated to minimize fear and stress. We place them in a padded trough with a blanket for comfort, and their belly is shaved to ensure good contact between the ultrasound probe and their skin. The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes. It’s painless and non-damaging. Afterward, we reverse the sedation, wake them up, and I call you with the results. Pets usually go home by lunchtime, sometimes even sooner.
If you have any other questions, please give us a call at (863) 281-4344. You can also email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we are able. Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram
