Best Ultrasonography for Pet’s Well-being at KAVET in Riga
At the KAVET veterinary clinic, one of the most popular diagnostic methods in veterinary medicine is offered – ultrasound examination or ultrasonography (USG). This method is based on ultrasound wave signals that are reflected differently by tissues of varying densities, thereby creating images of organs and tissues.
Ultrasound examination is a minimally invasive, highly informative, and safe diagnostic method for animals. With ultrasound, early diagnosis of diseases can be performed before clinical symptoms appear, and initial diagnoses can be clarified, ensuring timely initiation of necessary treatment.
At our clinic, ultrasonography and echocardiography are performed by veterinarian Kaspars Mitulis, who has extensive experience and specialization in this field. Both of these examinations are conducted using modern ultrasound equipment and are ONLY available by prior appointment and referral from a veterinarian.
With ultrasound, it is possible to detect changes in organ and tissue structures (tumors, age-related changes), organ size, shape, and location. Ultrasound can examine organs in the abdominal cavity:
- Liver and gallbladder;
- Kidneys and adrenal glands;
- Stomach and intestines;
- Pancreas;
- Bladder and urinary tract;
- Prostate and testicles;
- Uterus and ovaries.
Ultrasound can also be used to examine a single organ, such as diagnosing uterine inflammation or confirming pregnancy, urinary and kidney stones, liver shunts, lymph node changes, etc. Confirming pregnancy with ultrasound is safe for both mother and fetus and can be performed from the 24th day after mating.
It is very important to prepare the animal properly before the ultrasound examination:
- The animal should not be fed for 12 hours before the examination;
- Do not let the animal drink water for 2 hours before the examination;
- It is desirable that the animal has not urinated at least 1-2 hours before the examination (a full bladder improves visualization).
The animal should be shaved where the examination will be performed (abdomen, heart area, or other areas) before the ultrasound. During the ultrasound examination, a special, harmless water-based gel is applied to the animal’s skin, which is then easily removed. The animal should lie or stand still during the ultrasound examination. For very aggressive or nervous animals where the examination is difficult, the veterinarian, in consultation with the owner, may use light anesthesia, but such cases are extremely rare.
The owner is allowed to be with the animal throughout the examination. Afterwards, results can be printed out within about 10 minutes.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart. This examination allows for the evaluation of the size, function, structure, and defects in the heart, valves, etc., as well as the diagnosis of congenital and acquired heart diseases in the early stage. Doppler echocardiography is also used to assess blood vessels by evaluating blood flow intensity and direction, blood flow through blood vessels, narrowing of blood vessels, etc.
Heart diseases in animals often occur without specific clinical symptoms, so early diagnosis is very important to start treatment and ensure the animal has a longer and better life. There are dogs and cats that have a genetic predisposition to heart diseases. These animals should undergo regular heart examinations.
The most common clinical signs of heart disease in animals are:
- Periodic coughing both during exertion and at rest;
- Breathing difficulties in hot weather and during physical exertion;
- Apathy, reduced activity;
- Difficulty breathing or frequent panting;
- Reduced appetite;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Bluish mucous membranes;
- Swelling in the legs.
In cats, heart diseases often occur without clear clinical signs, as long as the disease is not significantly advanced. If you notice changes in your pet’s appetite, activity, endurance, or notice other clinical symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian.
