Includes all organs. However, answering the clinical question is paramount. Therefore, the exam will concentrate most on achieving that goal.
Preparing for Abdominal Ultrasound:
NPO
Preferably for 8-12 hours. This is to make sure all liver parenchyma can be imaged, as well as an empty gastrointestinal tract.
Full Bladder
Should not void for 3-5 hours prior to ultrasound, especially if imaging for urinary pathology.
Consent for Sedation and/or Fine Needle Aspirates
In order to be as time efficient as possible, please get the clients consent for sedation and/or fine needle aspirates PRIOR to your appointment.
Shaving
If there is time, shaving prior to your appointment is appreciated. Should shave from subxyphoid to bladder, and to edge of rib cage on either side. However, you are more than welcome to wait for us to arrive to shave if unsure of shave margins.
Echocardiogram
2-D, M-mode, Color, Pulsed and Continuous Wave Doppler are performed on all echo studies. Measurements are taken and uploaded with video clips and stills. Both Adult and Pediatric (congenital) echoes can be performed.
Preparing for Echocardiogram Imaging:
NPO
Preferably for 8-12 hours. This is to make sure that proper imaging of the hepatic vasculature can be performed.
Consent for Sedation and/or Fine Needle Aspirates
In order to be as time efficient as possible, please obtain client consent for sedation and/or fine needle aspirates PRIOR to your appointment. Medications such as butorphanol are considered a cardiac friendly sedative, and is frequently used in cardiac compromised patients during an echocardiogram, to ensure adequate imaging.
Shaving
If there is time, shaving prior to your appointment is appreciated. Should shave from subxyphoid to bladder, and to edge of rib cage on either side. However, you are more than welcome to wait for us to arrive to shave if unsure of shave margins.
Fine Needle Aspiration Policy:
Ultrasound-guided FNA can be performed at the time of sonogram if safe for the patient, or as a follow up procedure once the ultrasound has been interpreted, for higher clinical relevance and more guided approach.
If FNA is requested at the time of the sonogram, attempts will be made to reach a SonoPath specialist first to get pre-approval. This is standard policy and a requirement due to licensing regulations, to protect us and you.
All decisions to perform sampling procedures are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian and sonographer.
SonoPath specialists give their indications on what should be sampled for diagnostic effectiveness and how to safely sample with ultrasound guidance.
