In the past, blood profiles, x-rays, dye studies, and exploratory surgery were the most common tools used in veterinary medicine to diagnose disease. Ultrasound offers a non-invasive, non-painful method of diagnosis and staging many diseases. Additionally, ultrasound-guided biopsy allows for precise needle placement resulting in a more accurate and earlier diagnosis.

In human and veterinary medicine, ultrasound compliments x-ray evaluations as each diagnostic modality has it's own strengths and weaknesses. X-rays offer excellent evaluation of bone structures and air filled structures (lungs) that ultrasound cannot. In contrast, ultrasound is best at diagnosing abnormalities within organs and evaluating organ function such as the beating heart. Once the abnormality is found it can be measured for later comparison.Ultrasound evaluations commonly performed in veterinary medicine include:

• Liver Pancreas Eyes
• Kidney Uterus/Ovaries Heart
• Bladder Testicles Prostate
• Lymph Nodes Pregnancy Intestinal Tract

College Station cat clinic purchased an ultrasound machine and telemedicine system in 2004 from Sound Technologies. The ultrasound unit and probe are designed optimally for cats. This machine has a fully integrated telemedicine system that allows us to archive images and exams, produce informative reports, scan documents, and print reports.

Patient Preparation and Scan

The typical ultrasound examination requires no sedation and is easily performed on awake
animals. We restrict food 12 hours prior to the scan and shave the abdomen to improve visibility. A gel will be placed on the skin surface just prior to the exam process. Once the scan is complete, we include a report along with images to send home.When an ultrasound-guided biopsy is indicated, we perform a clotting profile and use a short acting anesthetic for the procedure.