Echocardiogram and Abdominal Ultrasound
Echocardiogram and Abdominal Ultrasound
Your pet is going to be scheduled for either an abdominal or cardiac ultrasound(echocardiogram) and we know you may have many questions. Here are the most frequently asked questions about what you can expect on the day of your animal’s procedure.
Echocardiogram and Abdominal Ultrasound – FAQ
How do I prepare my pet for an ABDOMINAL ultrasound?
Your pet can be fed dinner the night before the procedure, but you should withhold any food in the morning of the procedure. Access to water is fine. If your animal is on long-term medications (i.e., fluoxetine), give them their medication as usual on the morning of the procedure. You can give the mediation in a pill pocket or small amount of food if needed.
What can I expect on the day of my animal’s ultrasound?
You will drop-off your animal to the clinic at 10 AM (unless instructed otherwise). Please note that the specialist only gives us a time frame of when they are expected to come closer to the date of your procedure. Therefore, it is possible that your pet to be with us for a few hours.
Will my pet be sedated?
Will my pet be sedated?
Most animals do not require sedation for an ultrasound. If your animal is particularly anxious while here, your veterinarian can recommend an oral anxiety medication that you can give prior to the procedure.
Will there be a follow-up appointment?
This will be dependent on the results of the abdominal ultrasound or echo. The results can take up to 72 hours for us to receive. Once reviewed by your veterinarian, you will receive a call to discuss the findings and the next steps necessary.
How do I prepare for an ECHOCARDIOGRAM?
You can feed your animal as normal the day of the echo with normal access to water. If your animal is on long-term medications (i.e., fluoxetine), give their medication as usual on the morning of the procedure, in a pill pocket or small amount of food if necessary.
Where is my animal kept while waiting in the hospital?
Your animal will be housed in a quiet cage with soft bedding. They are checked regularly while they await their procedure. Cats are kept in a separate cat ward to minimize their anxiety. Dogs are walked midday and cats have access to litter boxes.
How will my animal act and feel after the procedure?
Ultrasounds are non-invasive procedures so your pet should behave normally once they are home. If your pet was sedated for this procedure, they may be sleepy for the remainder of the day or return to normal within a few hours.