Answering Several Concerns About Pet Ultrasounds
When your pet is suffering from a chronic illness or a serious injury, it is essential for them to receive the best care possible. To this end, your veterinarian may need to use an ultrasound device to get a better understanding about your pet's health problem. For those that are unfamiliar with pet ultrasounds, it might be beneficial to have a few basic questions concerning these procedures addressed.
Why Is It Necessary For Your Pet To Undergo An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of your pet's internal organs and tissues. As a result, this can be a very effective way for your veterinarian to examine the extent of the problem before creating or modifying the pet's treatment. Without an ultrasound, the only other option for getting this information would be for your pet to undergo surgery. In addition to being more expensive, this could also be a riskier option for pets that are particularly sick.
What Steps Should You Do To Prepare Your Pet For The Ultrasound?
Prior to undergoing the ultrasound, it is important to closely follow the veterinarian's preparation steps. Typically, this will involve withholding food from your pet for the day prior to the procedure. Some pet owners may feel guilty when their pet starts to beg for food, but this is necessary, as the food can block the sound waves. If this happens, it will make it more difficult for the veterinarian to get clear images. While food will need to be avoided, you still need to make sure that your pet has plenty of water, or else dehydration may create further health complications.
How Long Will Your Pet's Ultrasound Procedure Take?
Pet owners will often be concerned about the inconvenience of needing to have this procedure done to their animals. However, ultrasounds can often be completed fairly quickly. In fact, the procedure itself will often take less than an hour to complete once it is started. However, additional time will be needed to shave your pet's fur to prevent it from absorbing the sound waves and to allow the veterinarian to review the images. For those with busy schedules, it will be possible to drop your pet off on your way to work and pick them up in the afternoon once the procedure has been completed. While there may be a small additional fee to keep your pet this long, it may be the best option for having this important diagnostic procedure done, which can make it more than worth the additional expense.