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Cat and Dog Ultrasound in Clifton Park, NY

Advancements in veterinary ultrasound technology have made it the second most widely used diagnostic imaging tool next to radiography. It enables our Clifton Park veterinary team to study your pet’s internal organs in real-time, without the need for invasive surgery and allows for adjustments in positioning to capture the clearest image. We are extremely pleased to offer this invaluable, life-saving service to our four-legged patients.

Reach out to us at (518) 383-6254 or schedule your appointment online if your pet is due for testing or needs a diagnosis for their current health issue.

ultrasound being performed

How Ultrasound Works

Cat and dog ultrasound procedures are non-invasive, drug-free, and virtually painless. The machine emits short pulses of sound to create echoes, which are converted into electrical impulses by the ultrasound machine’s computer system. The electrical impulses are then recorded and translated into a moving, real-time image of the internal organs. Unlike X-rays, sound wave echoes can create a clearer, more detailed picture of the soft tissues. We can study the shape and texture of the organs, and evaluate their blood supply.

What Ultrasound Helps Us See

Areas of the body we can examine with ultrasound include:

  • Thoracic cavity
  • Cardiovascular system*
  • Reproductive system
  • Musculoskeletal system
  • Abdominal cavity

*We do not have board-certified veterinary radiologists on our team. For complex cases, we recommend referral to a board-certified veterinary radiologist.

Conditions that can be detected with ultrasound include, but are not limited to:

  • Fluid in the abdomen
  • Pregnancies
  • Signs of pancreatitis
  • Heart abnormalities
  • Cysts and tumors
  • Muscle, tendon, or cartilage injuries

Digital X-ray

Ultrasound is a highly useful tool in our practice, but we also offer digital radiography, which is another valuable diagnostic tool that we can use in conjunction with ultrasound. Digital X-ray allows us to produce higher-quality images of your pet’s bones and internal organs. Digital X-rays result in shorter radiation exposure times and higher efficiency than their film predecessors. With X-rays, we can look for bone fractures, tumors, foreign bodies, and other issues with this technology.

older golden retriever

Is Sedation Necessary?

Sedation is not generally required for ultrasound or X-ray procedures. If, however, we feel that your pet would experience less stress under light sedation, we may recommend it. This can also help us achieve better positioning.

How Ultrasound Can Help Your Pet

Ultrasound and X-rays allow us to look for things that the other may have missed. Potentially harmful conditions can be identified and corrected much more efficiently with these technologies. We are always striving to improve our standard of pet care and give our patients access to the most state-of-the-art services. Our hope is to help as many animals as possible and give them many happy years with their owners.