Ultrasound is a non-invasive modern technique that produces a visual imprint of the interior of the body. Unlike conventional X-rays which can cause harm if used excessively, recent evidence shows that ultrasound is completely free from these side-effects. In addition, ultrasound allows the doctor to achieve a depth of detail that is not possible with X-rays.

Cardiac Ultrasound

Echocardiography is a standard non-invasive technique for assessing cardiac anatomy, pathology and function. High-frequency sound waves produced from a hand-held device are directed at the heart. The sound waves are reflected back to the machine and an image is produced. This image is transmitted to a video monitor where it can be seen. The image may be still or moving.

Ultrasound uses sound waves, which have no obvious harmful effects, is non-invasive, painless, and uses no dies. It is perfect for diagnosing many types of heart problems.

The heart is a very complex organ. It has four valves, an electrical conduction system, and four chambers, all of which are crucial to its function. As in people, animals suffer from a wide variety of heart diseases. In order to correctly diagnose and treat these diseases, it is necessary to see inside the heart, visualize the movement of the chambers, and to look at the valves in motion. This is the area where ultrasound predominates. Using ultrasound, it is possible to watch the heart in motion and to measure each of its' parts. Ultrasound also allows the doctor or technician to measure the actual physical effects of various heart medications and to carefully adjust dosages.

Most heart diseases are very treatable, and in most cases, animals can live normal lives once the nature of their condition is under control.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound allows the user to fully examine the liver, gallbladder, spleen, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, and parts of the stomach and intestines. Ultrasound examination of these organs is crucial when a diagnosis depends upon seeing inside an organ, or when surgery or anesthesia would not be desirable. Abdominal ultrasound is completely painless, and generally can be performed using no anesthesia or sedation. Abdominal ultrasound has revolutionized the study of liver diseases, and is crucial to treating many types of cancer.