Ultrasound

Ultrasonography is a type of diagnostic technique that uses ultrasound waves to produce an imaging study. This means that when we perform ultrasonography, we can see internal images of the patient’s body. Unlike some other imaging studies, like X-rays, ultrasonography does not use radiation. Instead, ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to create a picture of what is inside your pet’s body. Ultrasonography is a completely non-invasive, painless way to diagnose and evaluate many common diseases.

Diagnostic ultrasound has proven to be a powerful tool in veterinary medicine. As a practice, one of our goals at Blue Valley Animal Hospital is to offer state-of-the-art medicine and diagnostic testing; so we are pleased to offer ultrasound services as a means of providing a higher level of quality care to our patients in Overland Park, KS, and surrounding areas.

An ultrasound machine generates ultrasound waves. The machine is connected to a small probe that is held gently against your pet’s skin. The probe sends out painless ultrasound waves that bounce off of structures (for example, organs) in your pet’s body and return to a sensor inside the ultrasound machine. The ultrasound equipment collects these reflected “echoes” and uses them to generate images that are viewable on a screen. Ultrasound waves can generate excellent images of abdominal organs, including the liver, spleen, gallbladder, and kidneys. It is also useful for assessing fetal health and monitoring pregnancy in breeding animals, and it can help us diagnose and stage (determine the severity of) some forms of cancer.

How Does An Ultrasound Work?

We utilize the services of Dr. Jodie Hayes with Mobile Pet Imaging, LLC.  Dr. Hayes travels to our practice to perform the ultrasounds, so you don’t have to take your pet elsewhere! This allows for the continuity of care you have come to expect at Blue Valley Animal Hospital.  All of the ultrasound images taken are sent over to a boarded radiologist for review before a detailed report is sent to our medical team for interpretation.