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Ultrasound |
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Ultrasound has been used for over 20 years as a
non-invasive means of studying internal organs in
veterinary patients, and the technology has evolved to a
high level of sophistication and image quality.
Ultrasound is most often used to evaluate structures in
the chest and abdomen, but is also useful in the
evaluation of the eye, tendons, joints, blood vessels,
and glands of the neck. Because it is rapid, safe, and
painless, it is an important first-line diagnostic
technique.
During an ultrasound, sound waves are transmitted into
the body through a probe placed against the skin. These
sound waves bounce back to the probe at different speeds
depending on the density and structure of the organs,
and this information is recorded and processed by a
computer, which converts the data into a real-time image
to reveal the size, shape, and structure of internal
organs. The ultrasound evaluation lasts 15-30 minutes,
and the majority of patients do not require sedation.
Thoracic ultrasound is useful for evaluating
abnormalities of the heart, chest wall and chest cavity.
Cardiac ultrasound evaluates the size, shape, and
anatomy of the heart and surrounding structures.
Visualization and measurement of the heart and great
vessels reveals abnormalities such as alterations in
blood flow, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, chamber
size, and muscle function. Cardiac ultrasound can also
reveal congenital defects and evidence of heartworm
disease.
Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to study the
gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, reproductive
tract, liver and spleen. Foreign bodies, tumors, or
obstructions in the stomach or intestines that may not
be visible on radiographs can often be seen with
ultrasound. Strictures, stones, or masses in the kidney,
ureters, bladder, or urethra can be seen. A pregnant
uterus can be safely imaged and the wellness of each
fetus evaluated. The architecture of the liver or spleen
that may appear homogeneous on radiographs is revealed
in great detail by ultrasound.
In an emergency setting, ultrasound is essential for the
rapid assessment of patients with internal bleeding,
heart disease, gastrointestinal obstruction, or trauma. |
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