As a pet owner, your number one priority is ensuring that they are healthy and happy for as long as possible. Part of this involves making sure that they can access the best diagnostic tools and treatments. We also offer cold laser therapy.
Here at Woods Avenue Animal Clinic, we have the team and techniques like to help your pet and treat every dog or cat we see as a member of our own family. We are located in Oceanside NY.
What Is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a technique that is more familiar amongst humans, but it has been widely used in animal care for several years. In the simplest terms, ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that allows technicians and Veterinarians to see what is happening inside your pet’s body, without the need for surgery.
Sound waves are used to help the vet visualize internal organs, and this can be used to diagnose conditions that may be affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, and bladder.
Unlike x-rays, these waves do not release radiation and cause no damage to the body during the process, making this an excellent, safe, non-invasive procedure.
How Does It Work?
The ultrasound machine sends waves into the pet’s body, using the probe. This then records an echo when the sound waves touch an object. This echo is then reflected back into the machine, which uses an algorithm to convert the sound into images. The whole process is fast and painless, and also a more affordable option.
Why Might My Pet Need An Ultrasound?
If your cat or dog is having problems urinating, suffering from recurring infections, or there is evidence of a problem with the kidney, an ultrasound is likely to be recommended. This will allow the vet to check out the bladder, kidneys, prostate, or uterus. This is a great tool to help you with your diagnosis.
Here at Woods Avenue Animal Clinic, you can rest assured that your pet is in safe hands. Our veterinarian, Dr. Gower, was one of the first practitioners to use ultrasound, having worked with the Australian vet who pioneered the technique. He is experienced, confident, and capable.
Putting Your Pet First
Our number one priority is always the safety and comfort of your pet, and their welfare will come first in all our decisions. We understand that your pet having tests can be scary, and will work with you to help reduce your anxiety, and reassure you that your pet is in the best possible hands.
The nature of the procedure means that it is painless and non-invasive, and this makes it the perfect option for causing your beloved pet the minimum levels of discomfort.
In addition, there is no radiation, and so no need to worry about long-term damage to your pet’s health. We prioritize the wellbeing of your cat or dog, and Dr. Gower and his team have the experience and expertise to help the whole process run smoothly and painlessly for both patient and pet parent.
How Can An Ultrasound Help?
There are a range of benefits to choosing for your pet. These include:
- Earlier diagnosis – can diagnose problems earlier, as they allow internal abnormalities such as masses, abscesses, nodules, or cysts, which may remain hidden by x-ray to be detected as soon as possible.
- Better outcomes – the early detection means that the right treatment can be implemented at the first opportunity. This allows your pet to live a long, happy life.
- Easy sharing of information – an image can be shared electronically, and this allows other specialists to share information on your pet’s health. Consultants will receive a complete picture of the health and history of your pet, test results, and images to help them diagnose the issue more efficiently.
- Quick and painless – as we discussed, it’s non-invasive for pets. This means that problems that lay deep in a tissue or organ can be detected, without the need for invasive surgery.
- In addition, most scans will take between 30 and 60 minutes, and results can be seen immediately. It is unlikely that your pet will require sedation unless they are very nervous and sensitive – this is good news for those who wish to avoid unnecessary medication and sedatives for their pets.
- We do offer in-home options right from your home.
- In addition, most scans will take between 30 and 60 minutes, and results can be seen immediately. It is unlikely that your pet will require sedation unless they are very nervous and sensitive – this is good news for those who wish to avoid unnecessary medication and sedatives for their pets.
- Suitable for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, as well as both benign and malignant diseases. These include:
- stones in the gallbladder
- urinary bladder
- kidneys
- as well as abnormalities in these areas or with the prostate
- The scan can also capture enlarged
- lymph nodes
- fluid in the abdomen
- around the heart
- abnormal blood vessels
- liver or pancreatic disease
- uterine infections
- pregnancy
- cardiac issues including tumors and disease.
- Suitable for younger pets – the safety allows it to treat young, healthy cats and dogs without worry – this is very useful for detecting congenital heart conditions.
A Complete Consultation
An ultrasound can be used in conjunction with the latest medical technology to provide a comprehensive overall view of your pet’s health. Dr. Gower uses his expertise to gain an overall picture, and this information can be shared with specialists who work with CT, MRI, and X-ray machinery to ensure that we have a complete look at the situation.
Get In Touch
When your pet is sick, it is crucial that you have a trusted team on your side. Dr. Gower and the team have over 37 years of experience, and work closely with their partners LIVS – Plainview Board Certified Consultants, VMCLI- West Islip Board Certified Consultants and VERC – Westbury Board Certified Emergency.
We want to help you feel as reassured and confident as possible that your pet is in safe hands, and will always put their comfort, health, and happiness first.
