Ultrasound is a wonderful technique that allows a completely safe and non-invasive method of visualizing the interior of the body. Unlike conventional X-rays which can cause harm if used excessively, recent evidence shows that ultrasound is completely free from these side-effects. In addition, ultrasound allows the doctor to achieve a depth of detail that is not possible with X-rays.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound allows the user to fully examine the liver, gallbladder, spleen, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, and parts of the stomach and intestines. Ultrasound examination of these organs is crucial when a diagnosis depends upon seeing inside an organ, or when surgery or anesthesia would not be desirable. Abdominal ultrasound is completely painless, and generally can be performed using no anesthesia or sedation. When abnormalities are found during ultrasound examination, a "fine needle biopsy" can often be performed without risk or harm to the animal. Abdominal ultrasound has revolutionized the study liver diseases, and is crucial to treating many types of cancer.

Cardiac Ultrasound

As in people, animals suffer from a wide variety of congenital (birth defect) and acquired heart diseases. The heart is a very complex organ. It has four valves, an electrical conduction system, and four chambers, all of which are crucial to its function. In order to correctly diagnose and treat heart disease, it is absolutely necessary to see inside the heart, as well as to visualize the movement of the chambers, and to look at the valves in motion. This is the area where ultrasound really shines. Using ultrasound beams, it is possible to actually watch the heart in motion from the inside, and to measure each of its parts. Ultrasound also allows us to measure the actual physical effects of various heart medications, and to carefully adjust dosages to improve how the heart is functioning.   Heart disease is very treatable, and in most cases, animals can live normal lives once the nature of their problem is under control.

Telemedicine

In veterinary medicine, like in human medicine, there are specialists in virtually every field. Oncology specialists can consult about difficult cancer cases, ophthalmology specialists can help manage complex cases of eye disease, and critical care specialists are available to help with emergency patients. Unfortunately, these specialists are often not available locally, or at the time of day when needed. Imagine a time when your veterinarian can instantly send images of X-rays, ultrasounds, endoscopy pictures, microscope pictures of cells, etc. anywhere in the world... instantly. This is the magic of telemedicine; and it is literally revolutionizing how animals are treated. With a special machine, our doctors have instant access to the best specialists in the world, and can get virtually instant assistance with demanding cases. Using our advanced telemedicine module it is possible for our staff to actually improve the quality of these images to enhance detail, and to perform many other manipulations that improve the image and greatly enhance the likelihood of a correct diagnosis. Telemedicine really is the best of cutting-edge medicine for your pet.