Veterinary Ultrasound in Scottsdale, AZ
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that provides a detailed, real-time view of your pet’s internal organs. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our specialists use ultrasound to detect changes in abdominal organs, identify cysts and tumors, guide sample collection, and evaluate the heart, often delivering answers during the same visit without anesthesia.
How Ultrasound Works
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that bounce off tissues to create live images of organs, blood vessels, and fluid. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound shows the internal structure of organs rather than just their size and shape. Because images are produced in real time, our specialists can watch organs move, assess blood flow, and often reach a diagnosis immediately.
What Ultrasound Can Evaluate
- Liver and gallbladder, including masses, inflammation, and gallbladder mucoceles associated with liver disease
- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder for stones, obstructions, and structural problems such as ureteral obstruction and bladder stones
- Stomach and intestines, including wall thickening seen with inflammatory bowel disease
- Adrenal glands in pets with suspected Cushing’s disease
- Spleen, pancreas, and lymph nodes
- The heart (echocardiogram) to assess heart function, valves, and fluid around the heart, including heart involvement in Valley Fever
Ultrasound-Guided Sampling
Ultrasound allows our specialists to precisely guide fine needles into organs, masses, or fluid pockets to collect samples for laboratory analysis. These minimally invasive samples can often provide a diagnosis without surgery. When larger tissue samples are needed, we may recommend laparoscopic biopsies or endoscopy.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Ultrasound
Most pets tolerate ultrasound comfortably while lying on a padded table. A small area of fur is shaved and a gel is applied to the skin to improve image quality. Anesthesia is usually not necessary, though light sedation may be used for anxious pets or when samples are collected. Your pet may need to fast beforehand; our team will give you instructions when scheduling.
Part of a Complete Diagnostic Plan
Ultrasound is often combined with bloodwork, urinalysis, and thoracic radiography to give our internal medicine team a complete picture. Findings may lead to further evaluation with cystoscopy or a surgical consultation with our surgery department. Explore all veterinary services or read what to expect at your appointment.
Veterinary Ultrasound FAQs
Does my pet need anesthesia for an ultrasound?
Usually not. Most pets need no anesthesia, though light sedation may be used for anxious pets or when samples are taken.
Why does my pet’s fur need to be shaved?
Fur traps air, which blocks sound waves. Shaving a small area allows clear, accurate images.
Should my pet fast before an ultrasound?
Fasting is often recommended for abdominal ultrasound because food and gas can obscure images. Our team will provide specific instructions.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and is considered very safe.
How long does an ultrasound take?
Most ultrasounds take 30 to 60 minutes depending on what is being evaluated and whether samples are collected.
Will I get results the same day?
Our specialist can often discuss findings immediately. Results from samples sent to the laboratory take additional time.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that evaluates its structure, function, and blood flow.
Schedule a Veterinary Ultrasound
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to schedule your pet’s ultrasound consultation.