Dog and Cat Ultrasound and Echocardiogram Services in Asheville, NC
At Partners Animal Hospital Asheville, we're committed to providing your pets with the best possible care using advanced veterinary technology. One of the key tools in our diagnostic arsenal is ultrasound imaging. This safe, non-invasive technique uses sound waves to give us a detailed look inside your pet's body, offering valuable insights without the need for exploratory surgery.
Schedule your pet’s next checkup or imaging appointment with us.
How Does Ultrasound Work?
Ultrasound works by sending sound waves into the body, which bounce off soft tissues and create echoes. These echoes are converted into electrical impulses that form moving images, allowing real-time visualization of internal structures. This technology is not only useful for examining organs like the liver, kidneys, and bladder, but also plays a vital role in evaluating the heart. Through a specialized type of ultrasound called an echocardiogram, we can assess your pet’s heart structure and function, making it an essential tool in diagnosing cardiac as well as other internal conditions.
What Can Abdominal Ultrasound Detect?
Ultrasound is especially useful for evaluating soft tissue structures within the abdomen and other parts of the body. Here are some of the conditions and abnormalities that ultrasound can help us detect in your pet:
- Fluid Accumulation: Whether it's in the chest or abdomen, fluid buildup can be a sign of several conditions, and ultrasound helps us identify and assess the extent of the problem.
- Organ Analysis: Changes in the shape, thickness, or texture of organs can indicate diseases. Ultrasound gives us a clear view of these changes, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
- Abnormal Structures: Whether it's a bladder stone, a tumor, or a cyst within an organ, ultrasound can pinpoint these issues, guiding our next steps.
- Foreign Objects: If your pet has swallowed something they shouldn't have, ultrasound can help us locate foreign bodies within the gastrointestinal tract.
What Can An Echocardiogram Detect?
Echocardiograms are a specialized form of ultrasound used to evaluate the heart. This non-invasive tool allows us to see your pet’s heart in motion, helping us assess both its structure and how well it’s functioning. Here are some of the conditions and abnormalities an echocardiogram can help us detect:
- Heart Murmurs: A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often caused by turbulent blood flow. An echocardiogram helps us determine the underlying cause—whether it's a leaky valve, narrowed vessel, or congenital defect—and assess the severity.
- Heart Valve Issues: We can identify valve malformations or leaks, which may lead to murmurs, heart enlargement, or heart failure if left untreated.
- Chamber Size and Wall Thickness: Abnormal changes in the size or thickness of the heart chambers can point to conditions like cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure.
- Blood Flow Abnormalities: Using Doppler ultrasound, we can observe the direction and speed of blood flow through the heart, which helps diagnose conditions like stenosis or shunting.
- Congenital Defects: Structural defects present from birth can often be diagnosed with an echocardiogram, allowing for early intervention and treatment planning.
Our Treatment Approach
At Partners Animal Hospital Asheville, our experienced veterinarians use ultrasound as part of a comprehensive diagnostic process. We understand that every pet is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your pet’s specific needs. Our team is here to answer any questions you might have and to provide the care and support your pet deserves.