Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging examination commonly used in veterinary medicine. Equipment has undergone a veritable boom, and technical improvements now enable highly accurate diagnoses to be made.
The AgoraVet veterinary clinic is equipped with several state-of-the-art ultrasound machines.
What ultrasound tests are available?
Echocardiography
This is the examination of choice in cardiology. It assesses the heart's chambers, verifies the quality of heart muscle contractility and identifies abnormalities in the heart's valves. The test is performed without anesthesia on cooperative animals. It is totally painless.
Echocardiography is indicated for the detection of malformations or heart disease in high-risk breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles or the Main Coon cat. This examination can be coupled with an electrocardiogram, and different examination times follow one another: BD, color Doppler, pulsed Doppler, ...
Abdominal ultrasound
This examination has numerous indications in veterinary medicine. It is performed without anesthesia on most animals. Samples may sometimes be taken, such as biopsies of organs, abdominal masses or fluids. Light, reversible sedation is usually required to perform these particular procedures without stress or pain.
Ultrasound-guided biopsy
For certain conditions, it is necessary to recover a tissue sample from the suspected organ for histological analysis. This tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken without surgery. In this case, the sample is taken under ultrasound control, through the skin, simply by puncture, without a large opening. This procedure is less invasive than surgical removal, but is unfortunately not always possible.
Ocular ultrasound
Ocular ultrasound is one of the complementary examinations required in ophthalmology. Using a high-frequency probe, it provides a precise, high-quality examination of ocular structures, even in the case of opacities. Only a local anaesthetic is required.
Muscle and tendon ultrasound
Muscle and tendon lesions are sometimes difficult to detect. Ultrasound examination of these structures can determine the presence of inflammation, tears or ruptures. This examination is very useful in cases of suspected bicipital tendinitis (tendinitis of the biceps brachii tendon), for example.
How can I have an ultrasound performed at the AgoraVet clinic in Strasbourg?
Your veterinarian suggests an ultrasound examination but does not have the necessary equipment. He can then refer you to the AgoraVet- clinic's Internal Medicine department.
It then issues a liaison document, essential for transmitting information and specifying expectations in terms of care.
Ultrasound examinations are by appointment only and on presentation of the liaison document.
At your veterinarian's request, and in certain circumstances, an ultrasound examination of your pet can be carried out directly in your veterinarian's clinic. Don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian about this.
To find out more about ultrasound consultations, please visit HERE