Our hospital offers ultrasound (sonogram) examinations as a non-invasive diagnostic procedure to evaluate your pet's internal organs. Ultrasound can be used to examine the abdominal organs, reproductive organs, eyes and heart. Ultrasound is non-invasive and well tolerated by most pets. In most cases, ultrasound is relatively brief and your pet is able to go home the very same day.
VCA Delmarva also offers the following advanced services in ultrasound: Abdominocentesis, Cystocentesis, and Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration.
• Abdominocentesis is a procedure where fluid is removed directly from the abdomen using a needle. This procedure is used when there is fluid build up within a pet’s abdomen and it needs removed and potentially tested to treat or aid in diagnosis of an underlying condition. Using an ultrasound or x-ray to identify the location of fluid accumulation, a small needle will be inserted and the fluid drained. The obtained fluids may be analyzed for bacterial organisms, chemical analyses, protein content and cellularity.
• Cystocentesis is a procedure where a veterinarian or veterinary technician gets a urine specimen directly from the bladder. This procedure is needed any time uncontaminated urine needs to be evaluated by urinalysis or culture and sensitivity.
• Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration is a diagnostic procedure used to investigate lumps or masses. A small, hollow needle is inserted into the mass for a cell sample which will be tested under a microscope (biopsy). Fine-needle aspiration is safer and less traumatic than an open surgical biopsies. This procedure is widely used in the diagnosis of cancer and inflammatory conditions.