An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that enables
an in-depth view of your pet's organs. Many times x-rays, which
reveal the size, dimensions and position of the organ, will be
utilized in combination with an ultrasound. The ultrasound
allows for the evaluation of internal organs and is a highly
useful in evaluating heart conditions (referred to as
echocardiogram), detecting alterations in abdominal organs and
assisting in the recognition of cysts and tumors. With the
ability for real-time monitoring, ultrasounds are also utilized
for pregnancy diagnosis and development monitoring. Anesthesia
or sedation is not usually necessary to perform an ultrasound on
the heart or abdomen. With the ability to obtain real time
information, outcomes can often be determined immediately.