Your Pet's Ultrasound Appointment - What to Expect

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Your veterinarian will determine the drop-off time for your appointment. In most cases, this is around 8:00 AM or when the hospital opens. Early drop-off allows time for patient check-in, preparation, imaging, and flexibility should plans change. The hospital will contact you once image acquisition—and any indicated, consented diagnostic procedures—are complete. 

• No food for 12 hours before the appointment (scheduled sonograms)
• Water is allowed
• Fasting improves image quality by reducing gas and food material in the stomach and intestines, which can interfere with ultrasound imaging. Also, this will allow for safely sedating your pet if needed. 

For diagnostic-quality images:

• Hair/fur will be clipped from the area being scanned
• Alcohol and ultrasound gel will be applied to the skin
• Clipping is necessary to allow proper contact between the probe and the skin and to ensure clear, accurate, diagnostic images.

Some pets may be painful, anxious, fearful in the hospital setting, or unable to comfortably hold the positions required for imaging. When recommended, light sedation can:

• Improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy
• Reduce stress, fear, and discomfort
• Increase patient safety during the procedure
• Sedation is not required for every patient. When used, your pet will be closely monitored at all times. Safety is always the priority and is carefully balanced against the benefits and risks of sedation.
• Clear, diagnostic-quality images are essential for a complete abdominal assessment and help ensure important findings are not missed.

Ultrasound findings are interpreted alongside your pet’s physical exam, medical history, and laboratory results. While ultrasound provides powerful diagnostic information, no single test can answer every question. In some cases, additional testing or ultrasound-guided sampling may be recommended to reach a diagnosis. A detailed report will be provided to help guide treatment decisions and next steps. Your veterinarian will discuss these findings with you and develop a plan moving forward that best fits you and your pet's needs.