Pacific Veterinary Hospital provides in-house veterinary ultrasound as a core diagnostic tool. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of internal organs and structures — a safe, non-invasive method that allows our veterinarians to evaluate conditions not fully visible on physical examination or X-ray alone. Having ultrasound in-house means same-visit results with no outside referral required.
Ultrasound provides detailed visualization of abdominal organs and cardiac structures. Our veterinarians use it to evaluate liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, bladder, and adrenal gland size, shape, and internal architecture, detect masses, cysts, nodules, and abnormal fluid accumulation, identify bladder stones and urinary obstructions, confirm pregnancy, assess fetal viability, and monitor development, perform echocardiography to evaluate heart chamber size, wall thickness, valve function, and blood flow, guide fine-needle aspirates and biopsies for tissue sampling without surgical intervention, evaluate the gastrointestinal tract for foreign bodies, wall thickening, or obstruction, and assess lymph node size for signs of infection or neoplasia. Ultrasound combined with bloodwork provides a comprehensive diagnostic picture — laboratory abnormalities can be correlated with visual organ findings in the same appointment.
Most ultrasounds are performed with your pet lying on a padded table. A small area of fur is shaved for proper probe contact — fur traps air that degrades image quality. Water-based gel is applied and the probe moved gently across the surface. The procedure is completely painless and radiation-free. Most pets tolerate it without sedation. For anxious or painful patients, mild sedation ensures comfort and optimal imaging. Results are available immediately for discussion. If findings require further evaluation through follow-up visits or urgent intervention, we can act the same day.
X-rays excel at evaluating bones, chest cavity, and detecting metallic foreign objects. Ultrasound provides superior soft tissue detail, real-time organ movement, and cardiac function assessment. Many conditions benefit from both modalities together. Our veterinarians select appropriate imaging based on symptoms and clinical presentation. For emergency cases, both tools are available seven days a week.
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves — not radiation — and is completely non-invasive, painless, and free of known side effects. It is safe for pets of all ages including pregnant animals. Most pets tolerate the procedure calmly without sedation. Mildly anxious or painful patients may receive a light sedative for comfort and optimal image quality.
Most pets do not need sedation. The procedure involves lying on a padded table while the probe moves gently across the skin. Sedation is recommended for significantly anxious or painful patients or when extended scanning is needed for complex evaluations. Your veterinarian discusses this with you before the procedure begins so there are no surprises.
Focused scans examining a specific organ take fifteen to thirty minutes. Comprehensive abdominal ultrasound takes thirty to forty-five minutes. Echocardiograms require approximately thirty minutes. Results are available immediately for review and discussion during the same appointment, allowing treatment decisions to be made without waiting for outside imaging reports.
A small area is typically shaved on the abdomen or chest for proper probe contact. The area is modest and fur regrows within a few weeks. Shaving is necessary because trapped air between fur and probe significantly reduces image clarity and can lead to missed or inaccurate diagnostic findings that affect your pet’s care.
Costs depend on scan type and whether additional procedures like ultrasound-guided biopsies are performed. We provide estimates before proceeding and accept CareCredit and most pet insurance reimbursement for diagnostic imaging. In-house ultrasound eliminates referral fees and wait times associated with outside imaging facilities, saving both time and money.
