Accurate • Reliable • Patient-Centered Care
CALL: 877-DVIMAGING (384-6244)
info@docksideveterinaryimaging.com
Do you want your pet to have an ultrasound?
As a pet owner, trust is paramount when it comes to choosing a veterinarian.
At Dockside Veterinary Imaging, we understand the importance of maintaining that trust between you and your veterinarian. We are committed to providing the highest of professional care for your pets, while also fostering a strong and lasting relationship between you and your trusted veterinarian.
FAQs
Why Ultrasound (To See "Beyond The Waves"!)
Ultrasound technology is a non-invasive, safe, and pain-free diagnostic tool that utilizes high frequency sound waves to create 2-dimensional images of your pet's internal organs. As the sound waves penetrate the area of interest, they interact with the tissues, either transmitting through, reflecting, or absorbing. The reflected waves return as echoes, which are then converted into a visual image displayed on the monitor. The real-time information provided by ultrasound technology allows for immediate outcomes and minimally invasive diagnostic sampling if needed, making it a valuable tool in veterinary medicine.
When it comes to getting a scan for your pet, your veterinarian is the best person to consult. They can recommend the appropriate scan or you can request one through them. We prioritize communication with your primary vet to ensure the best possible care for your beloved pet.
What to Expect
•Pet Parents•
Pet owners must sign a waiver. Your veterinarian will provide a medical history for your pet.
Your pet should be fasted for 8-12 hours prior to a scan. While food should be withheld, you can give your pet water.
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The ultrasound exam is designed to be a comfortable and painless experience for your pet. We may use light sedation to help them relax during the scan. Please note that we may need to shave the area of interest to obtain clear and accurate ultrasound images to provide you with the most accurate reporting.
Pet owners cannot attend ultrasound exams due to liability reasons. We apologize for any inconvenience.
•Veterinarians•
For Optimal Comfort of Your Patient
It may be helpful to consider administering trazodone and/or gabapentin the evening prior to, and repeat the morning of the scan. These medications have been found to effectively reduce anxiety and relax the abdomen, leading to better quality images. With this protocol, it has been often found additional sedation is not necessary for the study.
If Your Patient Needs Sedation
Please contact us with any questions about sedation or suggested protocols.
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The requesting veterinarian is responsible for the administration of any drugs and the continued monitoring of the patient.
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We prioritize patient comfort and safety during medical procedures. Sedation, with owner consent, can reduce patient anxiety and improve diagnostic yield, especially for abdominal studies.
If FNA (fine needle aspiration) is requested, sedation or anesthesia is especially important and should be considered.
If My Pet Needs A Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)
Ensuring the patient's comfort is our concern during the scan, and we achieve this by providing a padded surface. We can gather samples of abnormal organs or tumors to facilitate further analysis and guide diagnosis & treatment options.
Dr. Milligan is highly skilled in performing ultrasound-guided needle aspirates, abdominocentesis, or pericardiocentesis. If it is deemed safe for the patient, these procedures can be performed during the appointment.
Alternatively, a follow-up FNA procedure can provide a more guided approach and increase clinical relevance, especially when performed after interpreting the ultrasound results. The specialist's report will give their indications on what should be sampled for diagnostic effectiveness and how to safely sample with ultrasound guidance.
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During the ultrasound, all decisions to perform sampling procedures are at the full discretion of the attending veterinarian and the sonographer.
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After The Scan
​​Thank you for entrusting us with your pet's health. Your veterinarian will receive the report and will provide you with the results of the ultrasound as well as diagnostic and treatment recommendations as soon as they have reviewed the findings.
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Turnaround time for routine reports is 24 hours or less. A STAT interpretation is available in 6 hours or less for an additional fee.