Ultrasound Service
Canyon Falls is excited to offer in-house diagnostic abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasound, or sonogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to provide images of your pet’s internal organs. This non-invasive, painless test is crucial for diagnosing many different diseases.
Unlike x-ray, which shows the outside shape/size of the organs, ultrasound gives images of the inside of those organs. Together, this comprehensive view helps to rule out certain conditions and get a definitive diagnosis for many. With this tool we can see the inside of the liver, gall bladder, kidneys, spleen, stomach/intestines, urinary bladder, adrenal glands, lymph nodes and pancreas.
Using this advanced device we can investigate for causes of vomiting, diarrhea, pain, changes in appetite or thirst, weight loss, infection, and to explore for tumors, abscesses and foreign material among other findings.
Ultrasound is generally a low-stress test where your pet will lay on a pillow in the dark. For some pets, we offer mild calming medication to ensure they are not nervous. We must shave some hair from the belly to allow contact with the skin. Occasionally we’ll play calming music and even have a slow light show for distraction – your pet’s experience is so important to us.
Dr. Susan Brashear brings more than 20 years’ experience with diagnostic ultrasound, offering quick diagnoses to help pet families. “Seeing with sound” is her Superhero power!
