Veterinary ServicesPet Ultrasound

At Carver Lake Veterinary Center in Woodbury, MN, we offer pet ultrasound as a non-invasive method to view your pet’s internal organs in real time.

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What is Pet Ultrasound?

Pet ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your pet’s internal structures. Unlike X-rays, which are best for visualizing bones, ultrasounds are particularly useful for examining soft tissues, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and other abdominal organs. The procedure is painless and typically requires no sedation, although mild sedation may be used if your pet is anxious or needs to remain still.

During the ultrasound, a handheld device called a transducer is gently moved over the area of interest on your pet’s body. The sound waves emitted by the transducer bounce off the internal structures, and the returning echoes are converted into visual images on a monitor. This allows our veterinarians to assess the health of your pet’s organs, identify any abnormalities, and make informed decisions about their care.

Benefits of Pet Ultrasound

Pet ultrasound offers numerous benefits. Here are a few reasons why it’s an essential part of our diagnostic toolkit at Carver Lake Veterinary Center:

Non-Invasive and Painless: Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that does not require surgery or anesthesia. This makes it an ideal option for pets who may be anxious or in discomfort.
Real-Time Imaging: Ultrasound provides real-time images, allowing our veterinarians to observe the movement of organs and blood flow. This is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions related to the heart or blood vessels.
Versatility: Ultrasound can be used to examine a wide range of organs and tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. It is also valuable for detecting fluid accumulations, cysts, tumors, and other abnormalities.
Guidance for Procedures: In some cases, ultrasound can be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, allowing for precise sampling of tissue for further analysis.

When is Pet Ultrasound Recommended?

Pet ultrasound is recommended in various situations to provide a clear and accurate diagnosis. Some common scenarios where ultrasound may be necessary include:

Abdominal Issues: Ultrasound helps diagnose causes of symptoms like vomiting or abdominal pain by examining organs such as the liver and kidneys for disease or blockages.
Heart Conditions: Echocardiography provides detailed images of the heart to diagnose and monitor heart disease, and to guide treatment.
Pregnancy Monitoring: Ultrasound confirms pregnancy, estimates the number of fetuses, and assesses their development and health throughout gestation.
Detecting Tumors and Growths: Ultrasound evaluates the nature and location of lumps or abnormal growths to determine if further tests or treatments are necessary.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Services at Carver Lake Veterinary Center

At Carver Lake Veterinary Center in Woodbury, MN, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnostic services to keep your pet healthy. Our pet ultrasound services are an essential part of this commitment, allowing us to deliver accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans. Whether your pet is experiencing health issues, needs routine monitoring, or requires a more detailed examination, our ultrasound capabilities ensure that we have the information necessary to provide the best possible care.

If you have concerns about your pet’s health or if your veterinarian has recommended an ultrasound, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our experienced team. We are here to support you and your pet with the highest level of care and expertise.