Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive medical imaging technology that allows us to see the inside of the body. This technology utilizes high frequency, low intensity sound waves to create images of tissue that can be viewed as well as saved onto the computer.  The ultrasound unit at Merrimack Veterinary Hospital is among the highest quality being used in veterinary medicine today.  The images have a level of detail that is simply not found with ordinary radiographs (x-rays).  In fact, it is so advanced that it can show actual blood movement through vessels.

Ultrasound allows us to evaluate many different organ systems in the body.  An examination may involve many or all of the following organs, depending on your pet's needs: the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, stomach, adrenal glands, intestines, kidneys, urinary bladder, uterus, ovaries, and even lymph nodes.  The heart can also be evaluated with ultrasound.  A cardiac ultrasound examination can tell us the size of the heart, its shape, the thickness of the walls, the diameters of the internal chambers, which directions and how fast the blood inside is moving, and how well the valves are functioning.

Using sound wave energy, ultrasound allows all of this to be done without resorting to anesthesia or surgery. The process is painless and can generally be completed in a short period of time.  Only rarely do we need to use sedation to accomplish our ultrasound imaging objectives.   
 
The team at Merrimack Veterinary Hospital is committed to rigorous training, development, and state-of-the-art medicine.  As well as attending regular continuing education, our doctors have access to veterinary specialists – from radiology to cardiology.  We can refer your pet directly to these specialists for ultrasound imaging if necessary; as well, we can send ultrasound images from MVH to specialists in other parts of the country via the Internet through a service called "telemedicine".  This assures that your pet gets the best and most recent medical care for whatever problem is diagnosed.