DOES MY PET HAVE TO BE SHAVED?
To obtain the best ultrasound images possible, good contact between the ultrasound probe and the patient’s skin is required. The patient will need to have the fur/hair shaved from the area being scanned.
CAN I BE WITH MY PET DURING THE ULTRASOUND?
No. Your pet will be handled by a trained veterinary technician/assistant during the ultrasound. Due to the size of the room and the technical aspects of performing an ultrasound exam, we do not permit owners to accompany their pet to the treatment area. Our board certified veterinary internist, Dr. Liz Shaker, will perform the ultrasound exam and will produce a written imaging interpretation (report) within 48 hours after the appointment. She will then send the report (within 48 hours) to your pet’s regular veterinarian.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS DURING THE EXAM PROCESS?
The technician will ask you specific questions as directed by the Dr. Liz Shaker (in the lobby) before taking your pet to the exam room.
The ultrasound exam is performed on a padded table while the patient lies quietly on their back or side in a dimly-lit room. Trained staff stays with your pet throughout the procedure to aid in positioning and to help reassure your pet. A warm water-based gel is applied to the area being examined and the ultrasound transducer (probe) is gently moved along the patient's skin. Most pets will relax and rest peacefully for the procedure. In some cases, sedation may also be administered if the patient is difficult to restrain or in pain.
WILL MY PET NEED SEDATION?
The vast majority of pets do not require sedation. If sedation is required to perform a diagnostic quality evaluation, you will be contacted prior to any sedative being administered to get your consent. As with any sedation some minor risks of adverse reaction need to be considered, and those will be discussed with you. If you think that your pet may require sedation due either to anxiety issues or to pain, please discuss that with your primary care veterinarian prior to the ultrasound appointment.
HOW DO I RECEIVE MY PET'S ULTRASOUND RESULTS?
Dr. Shaker’s availability may fall on a day that your pet’s regular veterinarian is not in the office. Rest assured, all information regarding your pet’s ultrasound will be included in a detailed radiology report sent to your primary care veterinarian at Bilmar within 48 hours. Your primary care veterinarian will communicate the results of the ultrasound to you. Any questions regarding your pet’s treatment options/next steps should be directed to your primary care veterinarian. They will be directing your pet's medical care moving forward, unless they recommend referral to a specialist. If a condition requiring immediate intervention is identified, you will be alerted by staff while your pet is in our facility.