Question 1

What is ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound (sometimes referred to as a sonogram in humans) is a non-invasive way to visualize internal organs.  It complements radiographs (also known as x-rays).  Ultrasound can look at different internal structures such as the abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, stomach, spleen etc.), the heart (echocardiogram), and the glands in the neck (thyroid and parathyroid glands).  Ultrasounds of the neck and the abdomen and in certain instances structures in the chest cavity can also be performed.

Question 2

Does ultrasound hurt?

Accepted Answer

No. Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not hurt.  During an ultrasound, your pet will have the area of interest shaved so there is no fur to block the ultrasound waves.  Alcohol and gel are applied to the skin and a probe is moved gently along the skin.

Question 3

How do I prepare my pet for ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

We may ask you to fast your pet prior to the exam.  For exams scheduled in the morning, no food after midnight.  For exams scheduled in the afternoon, a small meal at 6am is OK.  For patients with medical conditions where fasting might not be safe, please talk to your veterinarian for a plan. Water is always OK. Most patients require some type of light sedative  in order to lay still for the entire exam.  The more relaxed they are, the better I can see things. Ask your vet for oral medications that can be given prior to your ultrasound.  They should also discuss additional sedation if needed.

Question 4

Will my pet need sedation?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound does not require sedation or anesthesia.  It does require a pet to lie on their back or side for 15-20 minutes.  Most pets benefit from medication to soothe their nerves and allow them to lie still.  While not a requirement, the best studies are obtained on a patient who is relaxed.  If you think your pet will be nervous/ scared or is a just a super-happy squirmy puppy, ask your veterinarian if they would benefit from medication in advance.  Two very safe and relaxing medications often prescribed are gabapentin and trazadone.  In rare circumstances, additional sedation may be necessary.  This would be discussed with you before the appointment by your veterinarian.

Question 5

What is an aspirate and are they safe?

Accepted Answer

Your veterinarian may talk to you about an aspirate of an organ if it looks abnormal on the ultrasound.  An aspirate involves guiding a needle into an organ or fluid using ultrasound guidance to direct the needle.  The needle used is similar to smaller than that  used to draw blood.  It is minimally painful but does feel like a little pin prick. The sample in the needle is spread out on a slide and sent to a pathologist to interpret.  It can be helpful in diagnosing many diseases.  It is not always as helpful as a biopsy (where the sample is an actual piece of tissue) but is less invasive. Biopsies require general anesthesia and sometimes surgery.

Aspirates are very safe.  Aspirates can be done while awake or with light sedation.  There is a very low risk of bleeding but this risk is virtually eliminated when blood work is performed prior to the aspirate to look for any potential bleeding problems.

Question 6

How do I get the results of my consult and/or ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Your veterinarian will be the primary communicator for your pet's care.  I will work in the background to help interpret results, guide treatment, and recommend additional diagnostics.  With an abdominal ultrasound, I will perform a basic review of the medical record and provide recommendations in my report.

If an internal medicine consult is requested (with or without an ultrasound), I will gather information about your pet, perform an in depth review of the medical record and provide a detailed written report that will provide interpretation of diagnostics already performed, recommendations for additional diagnostics, and treatment recommendations.  Filling out an internal medicine questionnaire is another way to provide detailed information about your pet.  I am  also available to help manage complicated patients on a long-term basis for a reduced recheck fee.  This continuity will help provide the best outcomes for patients with complicated ongoing medical problems with the comfort of your regular veterinarian.

All requests for consults must be made through your regular veterinarian.  I do not have the ability at this time to manage cases primarily (meaning without the support of your regular veterinarian).

Question 7

What is an internal medicine specialist?

Accepted Answer

An internal medicine specialist is a veterinarian who has completed the same education as your general veterinarian. Additionally, the internal medicine specialist has also completed several years of additional training and passed an examination to become board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Internal medicine specialists focus on treating numerous internal diseases like diabetes, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, autoimmune disease and many more.  They also specialize in patients with multiple complicated medical issues or patients with unusual or undiagnosed illnesses. They are the detectives of the veterinary world.  For more information you can go to https://vetspecialists.com/specialties/small-animal-internal-medicine.

Information for Pet Parents