Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule an appointment? We do not work directly with the general public but rather with your veterinarian. Our service comes to your veterinarian’s office to perform ultrasound exams. Your veterinarian can call us to schedule an appointment for your pet.
What is ultrasound? An ultrasound exam is a minimally invasive procedure that provides a great deal of information about the patient quickly, safely and without the need for surgery. Ultrasound can help your veterinarian diagnose quickly, saving time, costs, stress and, most importantly, lives.
Will my pet need to be shaved for the exam? Why? Shaving the area to be examined is necessary in order for ultrasound to effectively “see though” a patient’s skin and will also help speed up the procedure.
Who do I talk to if I have questions before or after the exam? If you have any questions about the procedure you should talk to your veterinarian.
What are your hours? Routine ultrasound exams are performed Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm. After hours on-call ultrasound is available 7 days a week at several regional emergency clinics.
What are the fees? You can request an estimate for the procedure from your veterinarian before the procedure is done. The cost varies slightly between clinics for a number of reasons:
- facility and technical staff utilization at each veterinary hospital
- the specific services your pet needs
- the length of stay
- other medical concerns, such as appropriate tests or medication, or sedation
Will my pet need anesthesia or sedation? Most ultrasound examinations are done without the need for sedation or anesthesia. Exceptions are pets that are highly stressed or those that require tissue sampling (fine needle aspirates). Your veterinarian can help you decide this based on your pet’s needs.