Animal Hospital of Woodstock

11711 Catalpa Lane - Woodstock, Illinois 60098     

815-337-2900  * 815-337-7173 - Fax

 

 

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that are above the range of human hearing to create an image of organs within the body. Sound waves are reflected off internal body structures and back to the ultrasound probe. The reflected sound waves are analyzed by computer and turned into pictures that can be analyzed immediately and offer a diagnostic capability not available from other imaging modalities.  It is a non invasive procedure with very little patient risk or discomfort.

 

 

Types of Ultrasound Exams

Pregnancy exams - are performed to verify pregnancy and can be used to estimate fetal age and approximate fetal number.  It is also valuable to evaluate the health of the fetus.

 

 

Echocardiogram - and echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart.  It can be used as an important tool in the diagnosis of many forms of heart disease.  Accurate functional information of cardiac performance is useful for therapeutic decisions.  Echo is critical in providing this detailed assessment.  Color flow doppler is also capable of pinpointing abnormalities and lesions.  It can also be used as a screening exam for breeding animals to rule out cardiac abnormalities.

 

 

Regional exams - are focused studies used to answer specific questions about the area in question. This exam is often used to follow up an existing problem.

 Comprehensive exams - provide a more in-depth look at the entire region, including the area of concern.  They are done as part of a thorough diagnostic workup.  Ultrasound can yield a diagnosis in many situations or can be instrumental in guided biopsy to obtain samples that may be needed for diagnosis.  It offers real time, immediate evaluations of disease process.

 

Reliability of Ultrasound
Ultrasound has become quite accurate in diagnosing many forms of disease.  It is also valuable in monitoring many types of conditions.  In many circumstances, the use of ultrasound may help to avoid more invasive procedures. 

 

Reasons for Ultrasound
Your doctor may order an ultrasound for many reasons. A sample listing is included below.

 

Plainly Speaking
Ultrasound is an accurate and reliable tool used to assist in evaluating and diagnosing your pet's health concerns. The added bonus is that it is a non-invasive procedure that is easy to perform. It also gives the doctor the ability to obtain diagnostic samples without major surgery. 

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