Veterinary Ultrasound serving Ames and Gilbert, IA
An ultrasound examination, also known as ultrasonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows internal body structures to be seen by recording echoes or reflections of ultrasonic waves. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound involve no radiation. To schedule your pet’s ultrasound serving Ames and Gilbert, call us at (515) 233-6689.
Are There Different Forms of Ultrasound?
Depending on the images produced, ultrasound can take various forms. In veterinary work, B-mode (brightness-mode) ultrasound, more commonly called two-dimensional ultrasound, is the most common form. This gives a two-dimensional picture of the organ scanned. This is the type of ultrasound that is used to examine abdominal structures, perform pregnancy diagnosis, evaluate cardiac function, and examine the eyes for certain eye diseases.
How We Support You:
- Quick & Comfortable Examination
- Knowledgeable Staff
- Immediate Results
Will My Dog Need an Anesthetic?
Anesthesia is not usually needed for most ultrasound examinations unless biopsies are to be taken. The technique is totally painless and most dogs will lie comfortably while the scan is being performed. Occasionally, if the dog is very frightened or fractious, a sedative may be necessary.
Is It Necessary to Shave My Pet’s Fur?
In most cases, the fur must be shaved to perform an ultrasound examination. Since ultrasound waves are not transmitted through air, it is imperative that the hand-held probe makes complete contact with the skin. In some cases, such as pregnancy diagnosis, it may be possible to get adequate images by moistening the hair with rubbing alcohol and applying a copious amount of water-soluble ultrasound gel. But don’t worry, this is something we will take care of for you.
When Will I Know the Results of the Examination?
Since an ultrasound study is performed in real-time, the results of what is seen are known immediately. In some cases, the ultrasound images may be sent to a veterinary radiologist for further consultation. When this occurs, the final report may not be available for a few days.
FAQS
How Often Should a Patient be Treated?
Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once ever week or two as improvement is seen.
How Many Treatments Does it Take?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions, 1-2 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 5 to 8 (or more) treatments. Some conditions require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
How Long Before the Results are Felt?
Your pet may feel improvement in their condition (usually pain reduction) after the first treatment. Sometimes they will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening! Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.
Can it be Used in Conjunction with Other Forms of Treatment?
Yes! Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy and following surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Does it Hurt? What Does a Treatment Feel Like?
There is little to no sensation during treatment. Occasionally, the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.
Are There Any Side Effects or Associated Risks?
During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally, some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.
How Long Does Each Treatment Take?
The typical treatment is 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Contact Us For Availability!
Call Or Visit Us Today!
Phone
(515) 233-6689Hours
Monday: 8AM–5PM
Tuesday: 8AM–6PM
Wednesday: 8AM–5PM
Thursday: 8AM–5:30PM
Friday: 8AM–5PM
Saturday: 9AM–1PM
Sunday: Closed
