Veterinary Ultrasound
The Winnetka Animal Hospital recognizes the importance of high tech diagnostic equipment. Ultrasound testing is an invaluable tool that allows us to diagnose problems quicker, avoid surgery in some cases, and discover hidden problems that may warrant further testing.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool we use when an x-ray doesn’t reveal enough information. Ultrasound works by sending high frequency waves of sound into soft tissues. These harmless waves travel at different speeds and bounce off the surrounding tissues. The sounds (echo) are returned to the machine and converted to a readable image.
Our vets can use these images to diagnose and treat a large variety of problems in cats and dogs. Ultrasound imaging allows our veterinarians to get a closer look at soft tissues, fluid compartments, and organs. The ultrasound image can show tumors, areas of infection and subtle changes in the appearance of organs and their surrounding tissue.
In addition, diagnostic ultrasound imaging is used to perform guided biopsies of tissues, identify urinary stones, and gather sterile urine samples directly from the bladder (a procedure known as cystocentesis). We can even help identify intestinal lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease by measuring the thickness of the GI tract. The uses for this tool are almost endless.
