What happens during my pet’s ultrasound appointment?

Preparing Your Pet for an Ultrasound Appointment

If your pet requires an ultrasound, we want to ensure the process goes smoothly for both you and your furry friend.

Below are the important details you'll need to know to prepare for your pet's ultrasound, as well as the steps to follow to make sure your appointment is confirmed and goes as planned.

How to Book Your Pet's Ultrasound Appointment 

Ultrasound appointments at our clinic are available by referral only. Appointments must be made through a referring veterinarian-clients are not able to schedule the ultrasound directly with us. Once your referring vet has made the appointment, please note that your appointment will only be confirmed once we receive the required deposit.

This deposit helps us properly allocate time for your pet's procedure.

 

Pre-Appointment Instructions

To ensure the best results from the ultrasound, there are some key instructions we ask you to follow before your appointment:

  • 12-Hour Fasting 

Your pet will need to fast for 12 hours before the appointment. This means no food should be given to your pet during this time. However, plain water is allowed up until 2 hours prior to the appointment. This fasting period is crucial as it helps ensure clear imaging during the ultrasound. If your pet requires a long-term medication (eg. Insulin, heart medication etc), you should seek your Vet's advice if these should be given on the morning of the appointment.

  • Shaving is Required

Ultrasound does not penetrate air. Hence, your pet will need their fur shaved to improve contact between the probe and skin to get the best possible image. While we do our best to make the process as comfortable as possible, shaving may cause some temporary skin irritation or rash. This is generally mild and should resolve quickly after the procedure. The area that will be shaved is dependent on the type of scan that your pet is scheduled for.

  • Sedation - Sometimes Necessary

In certain situations, your pet may need sedation to help them remain calm and still during the ultrasound. Even minor movements or panting will affect the quality of the images and may affect treatment recommendations. If sedation is necessary, the staff will contact you to discuss this option. Please note that sedation will incur an additional cost which will be communicated to you beforehand.

What to Expect on the Day of the Ultrasound 

On the day of the appointment, please arrive on time. Our staff will go through the admission form and take your pet in for the day. Do note that clients are not allowed to be present for the scan. You will be contacted after the scan is completed to pick your pet up. The duration which your pet stays with us can vary depending on the workflow of our day or if you decide to proceed with any sample collection. You are encouraged to pick your pet up as soon as the scan is completed to minimize stress. In the event you are unable to do so, please note the latest time allowed for pick-up is 30 minutes before we close.

 

 

Images used

https://www.esaote.com/en-GB/veterinary-systems-and-applications/vet-ultrasound-systems/