FAQ:

1) Why is my veterinarian performing an ultrasound on my pet?

– Ultrasounds can be a handy tool for diagnosing and confirming your pet’s condition in hospital, it can be used for routine screening, commonly used after a blood test or radiographs of your pet indicate a possible problem. Not only does ultrasound provide more specific details compared to an xray, you can also obtain samples via a needle for growths and fluids in your pet’s body cavity.

2) What are the common conditions routinely diagnosed using ultrasound?

– We routinely use ultrasounds in hospital to diagnose conditions such as pancreatitis, foreign bodies, growths/tumours on the liver or spleen,  pregnancy, abnormal kidneys, congenital issues such a liver shunts, bladder stones and several types of cancer in organs…the list goes on. Ultrasound can be very handy in allowing us to see if there is any fluid in your pet’s body cavity in case of a suspected bleed in emergency situations, obtaining a urine sample for culture and sensitivity or obtaining samples from a growth to send off to the lab for further analysis.  We can perform ultrasounds on your pet’s chest, abdomen and heart. Individual organs can be assessed one at a time with ultrasound unlike xrays.

3)How does my pet prepare for an ultrasound?

– We recommend using a pinch of sedation during this procedure in hospital as it avoids excessive movement, stress and pain for your pet. This ensures a calm and less invasive process, getting a good view and diagnosis is important. We also sometimes recommend fasting your pet on the day of ultrasound, this avoids having contents in the stomach or gas which can prevent a more accurate image.

4) What will happen to my pet during the ultrasound?

– Your pet will be laid on a padded table on either its back or its side. The location of interest on your pet will be shaved because the sound waves emitted through the ultrasound probe do not travel well through fur thus obscuring images. The average exam can take around 15-30 minutes.

5)What happens after my pet’s ultrasound exam?

– Once we are able to review the images, we will discuss the findings with you and any necessary follow up care. Upon request, the images or results can be saved and sent to you via mobile or email.

Many owners are concerned about their pet’s wellbeing after an anaesthesia or surgery and we want to make sure the experience is positive, stree – free and that you know how to look after your pet at home.

• When you get home

1. Your pet may be drowsy, grumpy or reactive to noise , bright lights , quick movemements etc. Keep them in a quiet, dark warm place. Keep them separated from other pets and children till they seem back to their normal self.
2. Reintroduce food slowly, offer a small amount of food and water as soon as your pet is fully awake and they do not appear nauseous. Signs of nausea can include drooling, lip licking and disinterest in smells of food.
3. Check your pet’s incision so that you know what it looks like, that way you will be able to see how it is improving over the coming days or notice any problems.

• Important things

1. Do not allow your pet to lick the incision area. If your pet is going to lick or begins to lick , they need to be fitted with an E-collar (cone) for the next 7-10 days after surgery. This avoids pet’s from pulling their stitches out or causing an infection from excessive licking.
2. No running, jumping, climbing or playing in or outside the house for the next 1-2 weeks. This will of course vary depending on the type of surgery your pet has had. Please check with your vet if you are not sure.
3. No swimming, bathing or grooming until stitches are out.
4. Check incision daily for any excessive swelling, bleeding, redness or discharge.
5. Don’t forget to arrange a revisit with your vet. We like to see our patients 3-5 days after any procedure or surgery to make sure you and your pet are travelling ok.
6. Please check medication labels when administering medications for instructions and side effects listed.

• Potential complications

1. Neutering procedures are very safe surgeries, however just like any anaesthesia or surgery, complications can occur. Please contact your vet immediately if you notice any symptoms below:

– Vomiting, Diarrhoea.

– Lethargy that has lasted more than 24-48 hours.

–  Reduce or no appetite.

–  Signs of pain such as excessive whimpering, biting or reluctance to be touched or moved.

– Abnormal or any discharge from the surgical area.

– Changes in breathing or laboured effort.

The above information applies to most surgical and anaesthetic procedures that your pet will have at your local vet or here at Animal Medical Centre, we are always happy to recieve a call or email if you have any questions and concerns! 🙂