Okanagan Veterinary Hospital
Diagnostic Ultrasounds
Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive way for us to “see inside” your pet’s body in real time. Using gentle sound waves, we can examine organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and bladder to better understand what’s happening beneath the surface. This advanced imaging tool helps us detect problems early, monitor ongoing conditions, and guide certain procedures with precision.
Why might my pet need an ultrasound?
Your veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound if:
Something unusual is found during a physical exam
Bloodwork or x-rays show changes that need a closer look
Your pet has ongoing or unexplained symptoms
We need to monitor a known condition
Pregnancy confirmation is needed
Ultrasound allows us to evaluate internal organs in detail and identify changes that may not be visible on x-rays alone.
Cardiac (Heart) Ultrasounds
A cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) focuses on your pet’s heart.
It helps us:
Assess heart structure and function
Observe blood flow in real time
Diagnose heart conditions
If a heart murmur or other abnormality is detected, this test gives us a clearer picture of your pet’s heart health and helps guide treatment decisions.
Abdominal Ultrasounds
Abdominal ultrasounds allow us to examine organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and bladder.
We use this imaging to:
Investigate abnormalities found on exam or bloodwork
Detect inflammation, masses, or fluid
Monitor chronic conditions over time
It’s one of the most valuable tools for understanding what’s happening inside your pet’s abdomen.
Urinary Concerns
If your pet is showing signs like:
Blood in the urine
Straining to urinate
Changes in litter box habits
An ultrasound can help us examine the bladder and identify causes such as stones or inflammation.
We may also use ultrasound to guide a cystocentesis, a quick and sterile method of collecting a urine sample directly from the bladder. This improves accuracy and comfort for your pet.
What to expect during your pet’s ultrasound
Ultrasound exams are:
Painless and non-invasive
Typically completed in a calm, quiet setting
Sometimes performed with light sedation to help your pet relax
To help the procedure go smoothly and stay as low-stress as possible, we may send home an oral sedative for your pet to take prior to coming to the hospital. In some cases, we may add an additional sedative to help your pet lie comfortably.
A small area of fur may be shaved to ensure the best image quality. In some cases, x-rays are performed alongside ultrasound, as the two tests provide complementary information.
How does ultrasound work?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that travel into the body and bounce back as echoes. These echoes are translated into moving images on a screen, allowing us to observe organs, tissues, and blood flow as they function in real time.
We’re here to help
At Okanagan Veterinary Hospital, every diagnostic plan is tailored to your pet’s unique needs. If you have questions or think your pet may benefit from an ultrasound, please schedule an appointment here or give us a call at 250-765-5132.
