Veterinary Ultrasound Serving Ames and Gilbert, IA

At Companion Animal Clinic, your trusted vet in the area, we offer veterinary ultrasound services for pets in Ames and Gilbert, IA. An ultrasound examination, also known as ultrasonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows internal body structures to be visualized by recording echoes or reflections of ultrasonic waves. Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds involve no radiation. To schedule your pet’s ultrasound appointment, 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 type of ultrasound is used to:

• Examine abdominal structures
• Perform pregnancy diagnosis
• Evaluate cardiac function
• Examine the eyes for certain diseases

How We Support You

• Quick & Comfortable Examination
• Knowledgeable Staff
• Immediate Results

Will My Dog Need an Anesthetic?

Anesthesia is not usually required for most ultrasound examinations unless biopsies are being taken. The technique is painless, and most dogs lie comfortably during the scan. Occasionally, if your 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, the hand-held probe must make full contact with the skin. For some cases, such as pregnancy diagnosis, we may achieve adequate images by moistening the hair with rubbing alcohol and applying a water-soluble ultrasound gel. Rest assured, our experienced team will handle this process with care.

When Will I Know the Results of the Examination?

Since an ultrasound study is performed in real-time, the results are typically known immediately. In some cases, the images may be sent to a veterinary radiologist for further consultation, which might take a few days to finalize.

At Companion Animal Clinic, we are committed to providing accurate and timely diagnostics to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. Schedule an ultrasound examination today by calling (515) 233-6689.