Exams and preparation

Abdominal
This study focuses on intra-abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, biliary system, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small intestines, colon), pancreas, lymph nodes, prostate and blood vessels. Fasting is required for 12 hours prior to the exam. Diabetic patients may be fed their regular morning meal and insulin, and exams should ideally be scheduled later in the day. Patients may be allowed to urinate up to 4 hours prior to the exam. Please remove litterboxes from cats at this time.

Cardiac
Standard cardiac images and measurements will be obtained along with colour doppler and M-mode tracings. ECG leads will be attached, if possible.

Non cardiac thoracic
This should be requested when a mass or pleural effusion is identified on a thoracic radiograph. Cardiac measurements will not be performed. Aerated lungs and bone may make it impossible to visualize thoracic masses with ultrasound.

Urinary
This study focuses on kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra +/- prostate gland. Patients may be allowed to urinate up to 4 hours prior to the exam. Fasting is not required, but is recommended in case a full ultrasound needs to be performed based on findings. This is a limited ultrasound exam and is not recommended for senior animals and a full abdominal ultrasound exam is strongly recommended (i.e. PU/PD work-up for Cushing’s disease, liver disease, etc.)

Pregnancy/Reproductive
This study should be performed between 28-35 days gestation. This test includes confirmation of pregnancy, approximate fetal count, and fetal viability.

Limited Study or small parts
This test is offered for a single organ follow up of an abnormality previously documented on ultrasound. It can also be requested for superficial lumps.