Ultrasound is a non-invasive way of taking a look at the inside

of your cat.  It is often used in conjunction with x-rays for

optimal assessment.  

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We recommend ultrasound for cats with changes in lab tests

(liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder) to create an image of what

the inside of these organs look like.  

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We can even use the ultrasound to guide a small needle into very small sites if we need to collect a sample for additional testing.

 

We frequently perform abdominal ultrasounds on cats with inconclusive lab tests, looking for hidden signs of disease like inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal masses, bladder stones, gall bladder stones, and pancreatitis. 

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Ultrasound can also be used to evaluate cats with heart murmurs. In fact, a cardiac ultrasound is better at detecting heart disease in cats than an x-ray is.  

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Cats that have an abdominal ultrasound performed will likely have their tummy shaved to allow for better imaging.

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Most cats don't need any sedation or pain medication, but if their abdomen is painful, if they have arthritis and it hurts lay a certain way, or if we need to collect samples, rest assured that we will make them as comfortable as possible during the procedure.