VCA Central Kitsap Animal Hospital offers ultrasound (sonogram) examinations as a non-invasive procedure to evaluate internal organs.
Ultrasound can be used to examine the abdominal organs, reproductive organs, eyes and heart. If the heart is being examined, the ultrasound is called an echocardiogram. Many times both radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasound of your pet are recommended for best evaluation of your pet's problem. X-rays show the size, shape and position of the organs and the ultrasound allows your veterinarian to see the internal structure of the organs. Ultrasound is very non-invasive and well tolerated by most pets. Most pets do not require sedation or anesthesia but this depends on their temperament. The hair on the abdomen must be clipped to allow adequate visualization during ultrasound. Gel is then placed on the abdomen and the ultrasound probe is moved methodically over the surface of the abdomen to record images of each organ.
At VCA Central Kitsap Animal Hospital, diagnostic ultrasounds are performed by our full-time board-certified internal medicine specialist, Dr. Suzanne Cook Olson. She performs ultrasounds of the abdomen, thorax (chest), and neck. When indicated, ultrasound guidance can be used to non-invasively obtain tissue and fluid samples for diagnosis.
VCA Central Kitsap Animal Hospital has two high quality diagnostic ultrasound machines. Our emergency doctors are able to provide point of care ultrasounds on critical patients to assess for fluid in body cavities, look for sites of bleeding from trauma or masses, and safely drain fluid from the thorax, pericardial space, or abdominal cavity.