New England Animal Medical Center
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram is the name of an ultrasound examination of the heart. A veterinarian trained in this diagnostic procedure can visualize the size and shape of the heart, view the heart valves, measure pressures within the heart chambers, and discover fluid or growths around the heart. Echocardiograms are an invaluable tool in identifying heart related problems.
Abdominal Ultrasound Exams
Abdominal ultrasound exams are used for a wide variety of diagnostic procedures. They can find foreign bodies caught in the gastrointestinal tract, discover tumors or other growths in abdominal organs, document enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, and guide the positioning of biopsy instruments. Ultrasounds can also help doctors determine the cause of bloating and stomach pain as well as kidney stones and liver disease.
Ultrasound exams may require the shaving of fur over the part to be examined, but generally do not require any sedation or anesthesia. No diagnostic test provides a specific diagnosis 100% of the time, but ultrasound exams very often provide valuable information to help successfully diagnose and treat your pet.
