VETERINARY SERVICES
Pet Ultrasonography
At Compass Veterinary Clinic, we are happy to be able to offer ultrasonography services.
Pet Ultrasonography in Lake Oswego, OR
We are happy to be able to offer Ultrasonography services. Ultrasound is a noninvasive and pain-free method of imaging internal organs (especially of the abdominal cavity and the heart) to diagnose pathology and disease processes.
Why does my animal need an ultrasound?
Your veterinarian may request an ultrasound as the next diagnostic step in investigating the health of your pet, especially when bloodwork and x-rays have not definitively identified the cause of disease. Ultrasound can provide more information of the internal organs beyond the capabilities of an x-ray.
What preparations are needed for an ultrasound?
Echocardiograms (ultrasound imaging of the heart) does not require any preparation and it is highly recommended that you give your pet their regular medications as directed. For an abdominal ultrasound, a 12 hr fast is recommended (unless your pet is diabetic) to improve imaging quality of the abdominal organs. Excess gas in the stomach and intestinal tract from a recent meal can significantly inhibit imaging of the abdomen, decreasing the chance of comprehensive evaluation of vital organs/tissues. Additionally, a mild reversable sedative is usually given to patients undergoing abdominal imaging to help them relax, decrease anxiety and improve image quality. The hair over the area being assessed is clipped. Acoustic gel is applied to the prepped area of skin which helps the sound waves travel to the tissues of interest.
Why will my pet be sedated for an ultrasound exam? Are ultrasound exams painful?
Mild sedation can be very helpful during abdominal imaging to help relax your pet and improve image quality. Ultrasounds themselves are not painful, however firm pressure with the ultrasound probe needs to be applied in certain areas and can be mildly uncomfortable to your pet. Sedation improves their relaxation and decreases their fear of being imaged and helps us obtain high quality imaging of deeper structures within the abdomen. If your pet is not healthy enough for sedation, an alternative protocol can be provided. Patients being evaluated with an echocardiogram are typically not sedated.
Can I be present during the ultrasound?
Unfortunately no, clients are not present during the ultrasound. Pets that are scheduled for an ultrasound are dropped off at our clinic in the morning and stay with us for part of the day. Depending on the schedule on that particular day, exams will be triaged according to urgency of situation and efficiency of workflow. We will call you when we have completed the ultrasound exam and discuss a time to pick up your pet. Ultrasound findings will be relayed to your veterinarian typically within 24-48 hours and your veterinarian will communicate ultrasound results and potential next steps.
Please note, we can only offer ultrasounds through DVM referral or with an established client relationship. If you are a new client to Compass Veterinary Clinic, a new client wellness exam may be required prior to any ultrasound services.
Meet the Ultrasound Team
Chelsea
Chelsea was born and raised in Beaverton, OR. She’s been in veterinarian medicine for 6 years. She enjoys assisting in ultrasounds because it’s a non-invasive way to diagnose disease and ultimately help improve the quality of life for patients. At home, Chelsea currently owns 2 dogs, 2 cats, a tortoise, fresh water fish, and 7 chickens.