Ultrasound
We, at Old Dominion Animal Hospital, have the Sound Technologies Ultrasound System. It uses the most innovative technology and is an all-digital color ultrasound machine with power and spectral Doppler, a CD ROM for imaging and archiving, and has wireless capabilities.
The reason the ultrasound is so critical is simple: ultrasound offers a non-invasive, non-painful method for diagnosing many diseases. It uses sound waves to penetrate internal organs rather than radiation as in a typical x-ray. Ultrasound allows us to visualize internal structures. Organs that are difficult to see on plain film radiographs can easily be seen with ultrasound. Internal abnormalities such as nodules, masses, cysts, and abscesses can been seen, identified and measured. Ultrasound can also be used to detect pregnancy.
The ultrasound is also an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of heart disease. It allows us to see the organs as they are functioning. With real time echocardiography we can see the heart in motion. From these images, measurements can be made of cardiac contractility, wall thickness, blood flow dynamics, and valvular integrity.
The typical ultrasound examination requires no tranquilization or anesthesia. Prior fasting or water withholding is not necessary. The entire scanning process takes only
30 - 40 minutes. Our new ultrasound has a lap top component so it is mobile and can be moved from examination to treatment room as needed to make the imaging process easier on your pet. Once the images are acquired on the monitor of the ultrasound machine, they can be saved on a CD for later viewing. The images can also be digitally transferred to a board certified internal medicine veterinary specialist when a quick, critical consultation is necessary.
We strive to provide a knowledgeable staff and the most up to date services available and we feel the ultrasound will allow us to continue to offer you the best possible care for your pet.
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