While your pet's history and physical examination are the initial steps of making a medical diagnosis, the ability to peer inside an animal's body can be a powerful tool.

Ultrasonography, or ultrasound, is an imaging technique which provides that ability to veterinarians. It is the second most commonly used imaging format in veterinary practice after radiography, or x-rays. Ultrasounds are not only for a diagnosis, but they can also be used in screening for disease and to aid in the treatment of diseases or conditions.

As one of Charleston's most advanced animal care facilities, Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital (BFVH) has more advanced ultrasound technology than general practices. Dr. Hardymon and Dr. Saenger are trained and very experienced in the use of our high-tech equipment.

"Ultrasound/Ultrasonography: A test in which high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off tissues and the echoes are converted into a picture (sonogram)."
- MedicineNet, medicinenet.com

Benefits of Our High-Tech Ultrasound

Comfort Level: We always strive to keep our pet patients and their parents comfortable during visits. While many veterinary practices have to refer their patients to an internist for advanced ultrasonography, we simply walk ours down the hall. This goes a long way in keeping your pet (and you) calm during the exam.

A Closer Look: Ultrasound equipment varies greatly. Many clinics use less sophisticated tools on a laptop, for example. Our advanced ultrasound technology zooms in much closer, giving us a good look at something as tiny as your pet's adrenal glands, pancreas, and lymph nodes.

A Comprehensive Solution: BFVH's goal is to provide exceptional veterinary care that is comprehensive and truly integrated. We offer a broad spectrum of medical services and quick access to multiple opinions, even holistic care. Should ultrasound be needed, you can trust that the Bees Ferry team will be communicating openly with you and working together so that everyone is a part of the recommended solution.

Common Reasons for a Pet Ultrasound

Although ultrasounds can be used to evaluate most soft tissues in pets, the heart and abdominal organs still constitute the majority of examinations performed in small animals. We often use the technology to examine abdominal masses and do cardiac workups for our patients. Other reasons that we may recommend an ultrasound for your pet include:

• Kidney disease
• Cushing disease
• Liver disease & biopsies
• Examine tears in the tendons & ligaments of the legs
• Examine joints & bones

Learn More

Ultrasounds are a powerful tool in our practice. If your pet has been referred to an internist for an ultrasound, we can handle the examination at Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital. Simply contact our office to schedule an appointment.