Ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool offered at the Drake Center. It gives a 3 dimensional, real-time image of internal organs. It provides different information than an x-ray and is often used in addition to x-rays to get the most information on what may be going on within a pet.
X-rays are great at high-lighting structures containing air (such as the lungs or gas in the intestines) and dense things (bone, bladder stones). However, x-rays have a difficult time penetrating fluid and give a more obscure or hazy picture if fluid is present. Ultrasound, on the other hand, is excellent at penetrating fluid at can evaluate some structures that are not visible on x-ray, such as lymph nodes, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gall bladder. X-rays can tell an overall organ’s size and location but Ultrasound can look within the organ for signs of a tumor, abscess, or abnormal vessels. Having an Ultrasound quickly available helps us rule out many disease processes and reach a diagnosis more quickly. It even allows us to perform Ultrasound-guided biopsies and aspirates which are extremely valuable in providing a specific diagnosis.
Ultrasonography provides you with more information to make educated decisions about the care of your pet. The Drake Center is committed to providing you with the best diagnostic tools available so you can make informed choices about your pet’s care.