Grown cat laying on a veterinary bed with imaging machine behind him

Advanced Cat & Dog Diagnostic Imaging in Funkstown & Hagerstown

When it comes to your pet's health, early detection and accurate diagnoses are crucial. At Animal Health Clinic of Funkstown, we offer ultrasounds and echocardiograms for dogs and cats so we can examine internal organs without the need for invasive procedures. Whether we're assessing abdominal issues, monitoring pregnancy, or evaluating heart health, our diagnostic tools help us create precise treatment plans for your pet.

When you visit our veterinary clinic, you can expect compassionate care every step of the way. Our cat and dog diagnostic imaging in Funkstown allows us to provide comprehensive support for your pet's health. Learn more by contacting us or scheduling an appointment today!

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How Do Ultrasounds & Echocardiograms Work?

An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging tool that allows our vets to view internal body structures using high-frequency sound waves. It creates detailed images of soft tissues, organs, and fluid-filled spaces, providing valuable insight into your pet's health. A similar diagnostic tool we use for dogs and cats is an echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound focused on the heart. Also called an echo, this is a crucial device that allows our vets to evaluate your pet's heart noninvasively.

These advanced diagnostics are excellent tools for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of conditions, from pregnancy to heart defects. We use echocardiograms and ultrasounds for dogs and cats to look for and evaluate:

The heart and chest
Soft tissue organs such as the liver and bladder
Muscles
Lymph nodes
Internal masses
Pregnancy and reproductive issues

Benefits of Our Technology

By offering ultrasounds and echocardiograms for dogs and cats, we can improve our diagnoses and help your pet live a healthier life by your side. These advanced cat and dog diagnostic imaging tools provide us with the capability to find out what is going on with your pet when they're experiencing concerning symptoms or pregnancy. Some key benefits of dog and cat ultrasounds and echocardiograms include:

Real-Time Images: We can observe organs and other internal structures in real time, such as seeing the heartbeat of a fetal kitten or puppy.
Early Detection: Ultrasounds and echocardiograms help our veterinarians identify early signs of issues, allowing for timely intervention.
Noninvasive: These diagnostic imaging tools don't require surgery and rarely require sedation.
Diagnostic Accuracy: When used alongside other imaging methods, ultrasounds and echocardiograms provide a more complete picture of your pet's health.

Our Diagnostic Process

When you visit our vet clinic, we will discuss your concerns and determine whether an ultrasound or echocardiogram is the right choice to obtain the information we need. We'll place your pet on the table, usually lying on their side. Then, we shave the area of interest to support solid contact between the ultrasound probe and the skin and apply a special gel to help transmit the sound waves. The images appear in real time, so our veterinarian can usually walk you through the results immediately. Should we find any issues, we will outline our treatment plan and explain what we recommend for your pet's health and well-being.

FAQs About Diagnostic Imaging for Dogs & Cats

When your pet is receiving any procedure, it's natural to have various questions about the process. Our team is dedicated to creating a positive experience for you and your pet, and that includes keeping you informed about what to expect. Some common questions we receive about ultrasounds and echocardiograms for dogs and cats include:

Are there any side effects associated with ultrasounds?

No. Ultrasound technology is considered a safe and noninvasive technique that uses no radiation and has no known side effects.

Will my pet need to be sedated?

Not usually. You can expect our team to take a fear-free approach, offering lots of treats and positive reinforcement to reduce stress and increase comfort. If your pet is extremely anxious or fearful, a sedative may be necessary to help them relax.

How do I prepare my pet for an ultrasound?

One of the benefits of ultrasounds is that they require minimal preparation. The most important things to consider are keeping your pet comfortable and avoiding stress before and during their appointment.

Ultrasounds & Echocardiograms for Dogs & Cats in Funkstown

At Animal Health Clinic of Funkstown, we are proud to be part of your pet's health and well-being. Whether investigating unexplained symptoms or checking on fetal development for your pregnant pet, our ultrasounds and echocardiograms for cats and dogs in Funkstown can support your pet's health in a variety of ways. When you visit our office, you can expect compassionate care that puts your pet first, no matter the situation. If your pet needs advanced diagnostic imaging, schedule an appointment with our clinic today!