Steamboat’s Only
AAHA-Accredited Clinic
Association of
Feline Practitioners
Colorado Veterinary
Medical Association
American Veterinary
Medical Association
US Department of
Agriculture Accredited
102 Anglers Drive (Location)
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Office: 970-879-5273
Hours: Mon-Thur, 8-6
Fri, 8-5; Saturdays, 9-2

Ultrasound

Ultrasound: a non-invasive diagnostic tool at Pet Kare Clinic

3-ultrasoundAt PKC, we are proud to offer many services, including ultrasound imaging. Ultrasonography is a painless, non-invasive procedure which uses sound waves to produce a real-time visual image of the internal organs of the body. Our doctors can interpret these images immediately, or when necessary, send them electronically to a specialist for consultation. These images aid our doctors in making timely diagnostic decisions and recommendations that can help save your pet’s life and are a perfect complement to radiographs.

Ultrasound imaging allows our doctors to look inside your pet’s body, and thus help observe the structure and function of the heart, locate abdominal tumors, visualize the liver and spleen, and look inside the bladder. In addition to general assessment, ultrasound can also guide the doctor while performing needle aspirations and tissue biopsies of masses or organs which may not be functioning normally or appear abnormal.

How do I know if my pet needs an ultrasound?

2-ultrasoundYour doctor will recommend an ultrasound if it will aid in the diagnosis of a current problem. Many older pets are referred for ultrasound if cancer is suspected. Although ultrasonography is a valuable tool, it isn’t the first tool used for diagnosis of many common diseases. Routine physical exams and bloodwork are important throughout your pet’s life; many problems can be detected early through annual exams. If your pet hasn’t seen a doctor within the last year, consider making an appointment for a Wellness Exam today.

What can an ultrasound see and do?

  • Sterile urine collection for urinary tract infections
  • Bladder/kidney stones
  • Tumors within abdominal organs, lungs, heart
  • Abnormal lymph nodes
  • Degenerative processes or congenital abnormalities
  • Fluid outside of organs (effusion)
  • Puppies! Ultrasonography can detect feti much earlier than x-rays can (around 3 weeks!)

Training

Our doctors receive continuing education every year and are proud to offer progressive medicine, surgery and diagnostics for your pet. Any doctor can perform ultrasonography, and some of our doctors have formal training and significant experience in the area. If your pet needs a specialist for advanced diagnostics (such as a board-certified radiologist, internist or other residency-trained specialist), our doctors will refer you in the right direction.

If you are interested in seeing our new ultrasound machine, just ask!

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