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At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we prioritize the health and longevity of your companions by utilizing the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. Pet ultrasonography (also known as ultrasound or sonography) is a non invasive, pain-free procedure that uses sound waves to examine a pet’s internal organs and other structures inside the body.
This non invasive imaging technique provides a window into the body that allows our clinical team to diagnose and evaluate conditions that might not be visible during a standard physical examination.
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The ultrasound technology works by using a transducer (a small handheld tool) that emits high frequency sound waves. These sound waves are directed into the body toward the internal organs to be examined. As the waves hit different structures, they create echoes of varying degrees depending on the density of the tissue and the amount of fluid present.
An ultrasound machine then converts these echoes into detailed images, which are shown on a monitor. Unlike x rays, which provide a static picture, an ultrasound can create real time images. This allows our veterinarians to evaluate organs in motion, such as a beating heart or blood flowing through vessels. This ability to see real time images is a powerful diagnostic tool that provides valuable insights into your companion’s health.
In 2026, a pet owner in Sacramento can expect cutting edge ultrasound technology that offers more clarity than ever before. We often use this imaging technique in conjunction with radiography and other diagnostic methods to ensure an accurate diagnosis. While we strive to provide the best care in-house, we also recognize that complex cases may require the expertise of board-certified radiologists to ensure the highest standard of veterinary medicine.
When your dog or cats come in for an ultrasound examination, we want the process to be as stress-free as possible.
Preparation: The area of your pet’s body that requires scanning usually needs to be shaved so the ultrasonographer can obtain a good result.
The Scan: The ultrasonographer applies gel to the surface of the skin. This gel helps the transducer slide more easily and ensures the sound waves create a more accurate image.
Fasting: For an abdominal ultrasound, a dog or cat should typically fast for 8–12 hours to reduce intestinal gas, which can interfere with the ultrasound images.
Comfort: Most dogs will lie comfortably while the scan is being performed. Unlike x rays, the ultrasound procedure is totally non invasive and uses no radiation, making it safe for repeated use.
We use ultrasonography to evaluate the animal’s heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and spleen. It is particularly useful to diagnose organ disease, stones, or organ enlargement. Because we can see the internal architecture of soft tissues, we can identify abnormalities such as masses or fluid accumulations that may not be apparent through a physical examination alone.
A dog may need an ultrasound for a traumatic injury to look for free fluid in the abdomen, while chronic vomiting or diarrhea in cats may warrant an abdominal ultrasound to look for causes in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, this imaging technique is used to confirm pregnancy or monitor fetal development and viability. By using ultrasound technology, we can detect fluid, cysts, tumors, or abscesses with incredible precision.
Ultrasound provides detailed information that x rays cannot, especially regarding the internal structure of organs. For example, while an x-ray might show the size of the liver, an ultrasound allows us to see the texture and internal structure of the tissue. This is essential when we need to diagnose conditions like cancer or chronic inflammation.
If a mass is found, our team may use the ultrasound machine for guidance to perform a fine-needle aspirate. This allows for highly accurate, minimally invasive sampling of tissues or fluids for further testing, often reducing the need for invasive surgery. Most pets do not require sedation for an ultrasound examination, but if your dog is anxious or restless, a mild sedative may be used to ensure we get the best possible ultrasound images.
Your pet’s health is our expertise, which is why local news outlets like Fox40 News and Good Day Sacramento regularly invite Dr. Sam Varon to share essential pet care information, from emerging health concerns to answering everyday pet questions. When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital, you’re choosing care backed by expertise that Sacramento trusts.
We believe in providing the best care for every dog and cat in Sacramento. Our use of ultrasound allows for a quick and accurate diagnosis of complex conditions without the side effects of radiation. Whether we are using it to examine the bladder for stones or to evaluate heart muscle thickness in a cardiology evaluation, ultrasonography remains an essential pillar of our diagnostic services.
If you have any questions about our pet ultrasonography service or what to expect during your pet ultrasound, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are dedicated to helping your companions live long, healthy lives by staying at the forefront of veterinary medicine. Let us help you ensure the health of your pet’s internal organs with our comprehensive imaging options.
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Most pets do not require sedation or general anesthesia for a pet ultrasound. The procedure is non invasive and painless, so most dogs lie comfortably while the scan is being performed. However, if a pet is particularly anxious or if we need to obtain a biopsy under ultrasonographic guidance, a mild sedative may be recommended to ensure the pet’s safety and to obtain high-quality detailed images.
Unlike x rays, which primarily show the size and position of organs, an abdominal ultrasound allows us to see the internal structure and texture. We can evaluate the thickness of intestinal walls, see the inside of the bladder, and detect small tumors or cysts within the liver or kidneys. Ultrasound technology also allows us to create real time images of blood flow and organ movement, providing functional data that a static x-ray cannot offer.
The transducer must make direct contact with the skin to send high frequency sound waves into the body. Air trapped in the fur can block these sound waves, leading to poor ultrasound images. Shaving the area allows the ultrasound gel to create a perfect seal between the probe and the skin, ensuring our team can examine the pet’s internal organs with the highest degree of clarity and detail.
Yes, ultrasonography is the preferred method to confirm pregnancy and monitor fetal development. We can usually see heartbeats and evaluate fetal viability earlier than we can see skeletal structures on x rays. Because ultrasound does not involve radiation, it is a perfectly safe imaging technique for both the mother and the developing puppies or kittens, allowing us to image the pregnancy repeatedly if necessary.
The cost of a pet ultrasound can vary depending on whether it is a quick scan for a single organ or a comprehensive abdominal ultrasound. Generally, a dog ultrasound in the Sacramento area ranges between $300 and $600. The total may increase if sedation is required or if the ultrasound examination is performed by a board-certified radiologist. Most pet insurance plans cover ultrasound if it is used to diagnose or monitor a health condition.
Our fully equipped veterinary hospital brings together advanced medical technology and skilled veterinary expertise to handle all your pet’s healthcare needs.
Whether it’s preventive care or complex procedures, we’re here to provide exceptional treatment at every stage of your pet’s life.
