Hope Animal Hospital's advanced ultrasound machine captures moving images of soft tissue. It is a painless and safe procedure, but it does require a shaved belly. Ultrasound is especially good for diagnosing abnormalities such as cancerous masses and intestinal abnormalities in the abdomen. We can also obtain samples of any masses visualized in the abdomen for definitive diagnoses. All doctors performing ultrasounds at Hope Animal Hospital have received special training in the technique. Most pets don’t need sedation for this procedure, but occasionally we will recommend sedation if your pet is anxious or if we are obtaining samples. There may be occasions when we will refer for further diagnostics by a board-certified ultrasonographer or internal medicine specialist.