Ultrasound is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that allows us to visualize and assess your pet’s internal body structures with incredible detail. This technology helps us uncover and treat a wide range of health conditions efficiently and effectively.

What Conditions Can Ultrasound Help Diagnose?

Ultrasound has many applications in veterinary medicine, including:

• Identifying gastrointestinal blockages (e.g., swallowed toys or other foreign objects)
• Assessing liver and kidney disease
• Identifying pancreatitis 
• Detecting tumors within the abdomen 
• Assessing lymph nodes
• Identifying heart disease
• Pregnancy diagnosis
• Locating and guiding the removal of foreign bodies (like grass seeds)
• Identifying musculoskeletal injuries
• Guidance for minimally invasive sample collection
• Performing ultrasound-guided nerve blocks for pain management prior to surgery
• Assessing trauma patients and guiding emergency stabilisation procedures (e.g. Thoracocentesis or pericardiocentesis - draining fluid from the chest cavity or the sac surrounding the heart)

State-of-the-Art Equipment and Expertise

At Ace Vet Hospital, we are equipped with two advanced ultrasound machines, including the Mindray Resona 7, the first of its kind in veterinary practice. This state-of-the-art equipment ensures precise imaging, enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Our team is led by Dr. Andrew, who has extensive experience performing ultrasounds, and Dr. Callie, who has completed a Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Abdominal Ultrasound under Dr. Andrew’s mentorship. Together, they provide expert care, ensuring your pet is in the best hands.

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Ultrasound

• Non-Invasive and Pain-Free: Ultrasound is gentle and non-invasive, making it a low stress procedure for your pet.
• Day Procedure: Most ultrasounds are completed within a day. You’ll have an initial consultation with a vet to discuss your pet’s condition, and after the scan, the findings will be reviewed with you before your pet goes home. 
• Fasting Requirements: In most cases, we recommend fasting your pet before the procedure, as gas or food in the gastrointestinal tract can obscure the ultrasound images.
• Sedation: Sedation is usually recommended to help your pet relax and ensure we obtain the best quality images.
• Hair Clipping: The area being scanned will need to be clipped, as ultrasound cannot penetrate fur.
• Sample Collection: If necessary, sample collection (such as fine needle aspirates) can often be performed on the same day with your consent.

For Referred Patients

If your regular vet refers your pet to us for an ultrasound, we’ll provide:

• A full, detailed report including descriptions, interpretations of findings, and recommendations for further workup or treatment.
• Access to ultrasound images via a secure link through VetRocket (no subscription required).
• Easy access to our vet team for case discussions and collaboration.

Why Choose Ace Vet Hospital?

Ultrasound enables faster and more accurate diagnoses, minimizes the need for invasive procedures, and allows us to tailor treatments to your pet’s specific needs. With advanced technology and a skilled team, Ace Vet Hospital is committed to providing exceptional care for your beloved pets.

Book an Ultrasound Today

If you have concerns about your pet’s health or have been referred by your regular vet, contact us today to learn more about how ultrasound can help. At Ace Vet Hospital, we’re here to ensure your pets live happy, healthy lives.