A veterinarian can often make a diagnosis by conducting a visual examination and by listening to organs like the heart and lungs. However, sometimes a veterinarian needs to get a closer look inside a cat’s body to see what’s going on in there. East Valley Animal Hospital offers cat ultrasound as a diagnostic tool so we can take better care of your feline companion.
What Is a Cat Ultrasound?
A cat ultrasound is a very safe, non-invasive diagnostic procedure. Unlike an x-ray, an ultrasound uses sound waves so there is no fear of radiation exposure.
During an ultrasound, a veterinarian uses a special probe placed over the organ or area they want to examine. Ultrasound waves move through the probe and into the cat’s body, where they either bounce off the internal organs or get absorbed. The reflected ultrasound waves come back to the probe and project an image on the screen of the ultrasound machine.
Why Would My Cat Need an Ultrasound?
If your cat has an illness affecting their internal organs, they will probably need an ultrasound.
Using ultrasound, a veterinarian obtains a clear picture of the abdominal organs, including their size and shape. The ultrasound will show any existing problems in the cat’s abdominal area, including the digestive tract, kidneys, liver, and bladder. It will allow your veterinarian to check for tumors, cysts, or any foreign objects the cat may have swallowed.
How Do I Prepare My Cat for an Abdominal Ultrasound?
To obtain the best image during an abdominal ultrasound, the cat’s stomach should be relatively empty of food. Fasting before a cat ultrasound means no feeding for eight to twelve hours before the procedure, just in case we need to administer a sedative to keep your cat calm.
To get the best image of the urinary tract, the bladder should be full. If possible, please try to not let your cat relieve themselves within three to six hours before the ultrasound. Don’t be surprised when your cat has a small, shaved area after the ultrasound procedure. Shaving the hair allows the probe to have better contact with the cat’s skin.
Do You Have Questions?
The caring team at East Valley Animal Hospital is ready to answer any questions you may have regarding your cat’s abdominal ultrasound. You can contact us by calling 480-568-2462 or emailing us at info@eastvalleyanimal.com.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/20/21). Photo By Matheus Queiroz on Unsplash