Real-time views of soft tissue, organs, and blood flow, without radiation and with almost no stress on your pet.
Yorktown Heights, NY • Dogs, Cats & Exotics • See our Google reviews
X-rays are excellent for bones and lungs, but they miss a lot inside soft tissue. When symptoms point at the abdomen, the bladder, or the heart, ultrasound is often the right tool. It shows shape, movement, texture, and blood flow, and it does it with no radiation.
What Is Veterinary Ultrasound?
Veterinary ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images of your pet’s internal organs. It’s painless, non-invasive, and safe enough for pregnant animals. We use it to examine the abdomen, bladder, kidneys, liver, spleen, GI tract, reproductive organs, and heart (with referral for advanced echocardiography).
Why Is Ultrasound Important?
Sees What X-Rays Can’t: Organ texture, fluid accumulation, masses inside organs, and blood flow are all ultrasound territory. It complements digital X-rays, not replaces them.
Guides Procedures: Real-time imaging guides needle aspirates and biopsies accurately and safely.
No Radiation: Safer for repeat monitoring, pregnant pets, and sensitive species.
Minimal Stress: Most patients tolerate ultrasound awake, with a shaved patch and a quiet few minutes on the table.
What to Expect at an Ultrasound Appointment
Before Your Visit
Fast your pet for 8 to 12 hours for abdominal scans (water is fine). An empty stomach and a full bladder make for clearer images. Bring any prior imaging or records.
During the Appointment
Prep: A small area of fur is shaved, and warm gel is applied for contact with the probe.
Scan: Your pet lies comfortably on their back or side while our veterinarian scans systematically. Mild sedation is offered for anxious patients.
Real-Time Review: Findings are discussed with you in the room, and we capture still images for the record.
Follow-Up and Aftercare
If we find something that needs a specialist (complex cardiac cases, advanced oncologic imaging), we coordinate referral and share images directly. Routine findings come with a written plan the same day.
When Does Your Pet Need an Ultrasound?
- Puppies & kittens: Usually only when symptoms warrant, like abdominal pain, suspected foreign body, or urinary issues.
- Adult pets: For diagnostic workups of persistent vomiting, weight loss, changes in urination, abdominal pain, or abnormal bloodwork.
- Senior pets: Part of diagnostics for monitoring chronic disease, including kidney disease, liver enzyme elevations, and masses seen in senior workups.
Schedule an Ultrasound in Yorktown Heights, NY
Heights Hospital for Animals performs diagnostic ultrasound for dogs and cats in Yorktown Heights, NY. If X-rays haven’t told the whole story, ultrasound often does.
