Ultrasounds, also known as sonography, are procedures that gently produce real-time images of an animal’s organs and tissues. Like doctors, veterinarians use this type of imaging to visualize an animal’s internal structures, such as the heart, liver, and more. Cat ultrasounds specifically are used for many reasons, including as a guide during procedures and monitoring the progress of various treatments.
Cat Ultrasounds vs Traditional X-rays
X-rays are beneficial for veterinarians to determine breaks or sprains in the bones and other potential sources of discomfort in your pet. However, ultrasounds provide a more detailed look into your cat’s anatomy, making it much easier to identify the disease and track potential damage to its internal organs.
Why Your Cat May Need Imaging
The purpose of diagnostic imaging is just that: diagnosing ailments and, in turn, figuring out how to treat your feline friend. There are numerous reasons why your kitty might need a cat ultrasound, from an exploratory look into their internal structure to aiding in a major diagnosis.
Monitoring Cardiac Conditions
Consistent ultrasound checkups provide your veterinarian the ability to visualize the heart, its chambers, valves, and blood flow within the it. If your cat has any heart conditions, including cardiomyopathy, gathering accurate information from this imaging will provide a better understanding of how to treat them best.
Determining Urinary Tract Issues
Unfortunately, it’s common for cats to develop urinary tract issues; it’s essential to utilize ultrasound to examine their kidneys and bladder to identify possible kidney stones or infections. Any information obtained from the ultrasound images can be used to make treatment decisions for your pet.
Tracking Pregnancies
If your cat is pregnant, it’s essential to monitor fetal development through the use of a cat ultrasound. Your vet can determine how many kittens are growing, their size, and general health information throughout the pregnancy to provide peace of mind when the big day arrives!
Identifying Abnormalities
Cat ultrasounds are also a tool to determine other abnormalities that may be causing bothersome symptoms in your cat. Weight loss, a distended abdomen, behavioral changes, and other irregularities can be signs of an underlying condition and can be caught during an ultrasound appointment.
Cat Ultrasounds Are Similar To A Human’s
A typical human ultrasound consists of the patient lying back on a table, with medical staff applying jelly to their abdomen and moving a specialized handheld wand around to take internal pictures. Surprisingly, ultrasound used on cats is nearly identical; veterinary staff applies water-based, hypoallergenic gel to their skin, and place the ultrasound probe to capture images from different angles, depending on what they’re searching for.
Timing Depends On Why Cat Ultrasounds Are Being Conducted
It isn’t easy to guarantee how much time it will take for a cat ultrasound from start to finish. Typically, the procedure lasts between 20 to 45 minutes, but the timing will vary, depending on what the veterinarian is searching for and how well your animal responds to the testing.
Sedation Is Not Typically Required
As with any animal, there are risks associated with sedating cats for surgery. Luckily, cat ultrasounds are a simple process that only requires gentle restraining from veterinary assistants to cause the least amount of stress possible and gather the information needed efficiently!
Booking a Cat Ultrasound Appointment
You can never be too safe with your fur babies; diagnostic imaging, such as cat ultrasounds, is essential to maintaining their health and tracking known diseases! If you have any questions or concerns about your animal’s health, it’s best to have it investigated as soon as possible. Old Dominion Veterinary Clinic offers a gentle approach to these appointments, is skilled in animal ultrasounds, and always treats your cats with the utmost respect!
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