Indications



		Please write us if your questions remain unanswered. Congenital heart disease Many types exist. Some trivial, some allowing a very shortened life span of only several months duration. The echo will identify the defect and quantify the severity of the condition. Heart murmurs The development of a heart murmur in an adult animal indicates that abnormal flows have developed in the heart. The echocardiogram will identify the abnormality present, locate the structural abnormalities causing this, and grade the significance of the problem. Heart failure All animals with heart failure must have an echo performed as part of the cardiac workup to obtain an accurate diagnosis. This is critical for prescribing the most effective therapy and to maximize quality and length of remaining life. Cancers and other masses The identification of the origin of a mass is often possible with ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy is a safe and atraumatic method to obtain a tissue diagnosis. This knowledge is then used to plan effective treatment strategies. Nearly any structure 1.5cm or larger may be biopsied by this technique. Examples include abdominal lymph nodes, liver, kidney, tumors, intestinal masses, lung masses, etc. Liver disease The hallmarks of liver disease are jaundice and elevated liver enzymes. Many of these diseases are treatable in both dogs and cats. A scan and biopsy is absolutely essential to obtain an accurate diadnosis, assess prognosis and to plan therapy. Gall bladder disease Biliary tract and gall bladder bacterial infections are important causes of liver disease in cats. Gall stones, sludged (thickened) bile and pancreatitis are the most common causes. In these situations, the bile is cultured to determine the most effective antibiotic to use. Pancreas disease Inflammation of the pancreas is difficult to confirm. Blood tests for this are not very sensitive. An inflammed pancreas is easily visualized during a scan. Pancreatic cancer is more difficult to diagnose. No blood tests exist for the detection of this problem in animals and ultrasound will give the first indications that this problem is present. Kidney failure A scan will define whether the kidneys are failing from obstruction (stones, masses, etc.) which are treated surgically or from a medical disease (infection, ageing changes, glomerulonephritis). A ultrasound-guided biopsy is absolutely essential to obtaining an accurate diagnosis in these nonsurgical cases. The goal is to stop any further deterioration of renal function. Reversing the damage is possible only in some situations. Bladder problems Ultrasound is the best test to identify bladder stones or baldder wall tumors. The location of a mass is very important in deciding whether or not surgery could be effective. Cats with chronic cystitis benefit greatly from a scan. Copyright 2008 The Animal Ultrasound Clinic. Click here for important legal notices concerning this web site.
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