Ultrasound Services at Pittwater Animal Hospital
Ultrasound is an invaluable, non-invasive tool for diagnosing a wide range of conditions in veterinary medicine. As technology has improved, ultrasound has become even more effective in providing detailed images. In 2022, Pittwater Animal Hospital upgraded its ultrasound machine to enhance image clarity and mobility, allowing it to be moved easily between rooms.
In-House Ultrasound
At Pittwater Animal Hospital, your veterinarian may choose a Veterinary Point of Care Ultrasound (VPOCUS) for quick assessments of unwell pets. VPOCUS can promptly identify critical issues like abdominal bleeding, lung disease, or pericardial effusions and can often be performed without clipping your pet’s hair.
For more comprehensive abdominal scans, a veterinarian and a nurse work together to examine and measure the abdominal organs in detail. This procedure involves:
- Sedating your pet and placing an intravenous catheter.
- Clipping the hair over the abdomen up to the back muscles for a clearer view.
When to Consider X-rays or Advanced Imaging
In some cases, an X-ray may be recommended along with an ultrasound, as each imaging method provides different insights. If further imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, is required, your pet may be referred to a specialist hospital for these advanced diagnostics.
Our Skilled In-House Team
Our team at Pittwater Animal Hospital includes skilled practitioners in ultrasound diagnostics. Dr. Eamon Grattan-Smith has a special interest and post-graduate training in ultrasound, while Dr. Natalia Gomez and Dr. Juliet Smithyman also bring expertise in this area. Their skills allow us to provide high-quality in-house imaging for a variety of cases.
Specialist Ultrasound Services
In some situations, such as complex cases or with larger breeds like Labradors, we may recommend an ultrasound performed by a specialist veterinarian. When needed, we can arrange for a specialist or resident from Vets North to come to Pittwater Animal Hospital to perform the procedure. Specialist ultrasounds incur a higher fee and may require a few days for scheduling. Many clients appreciate the convenience of having a specialist ultrasound on-site at PAH, as this can avoid the need for a more involved referral to a specialist hospital.
Preparing Your Pet for an Abdominal Ultrasound
If your pet is scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound at Pittwater Animal Hospital:
- Please ensure they have an empty stomach.
- Be prepared for the possibility of sedation.
- Their abdomen will be shaved close to the skin on either side to improve image quality.
