This Article Will Address:
- What veterinary ultrasound is and how it works
- When ultrasound is recommended for pets
- What conditions it can help diagnose
- The benefits of ultrasound in veterinary care
- How to prepare your pet for an ultrasound
- Why Hawthorne pet owners trust Rosecrans Veterinary Care
What Is Veterinary Ultrasound and How Does It Work?
Ultrasound is one of the most effective and gentle tools in veterinary diagnostics. At Rosecrans Veterinary Care, we use ultrasound to safely examine the inside of your pet’s body without surgery or radiation. The technology uses high-frequency sound waves transmitted through a handheld probe, combined with conductive gel on your pet’s skin. These waves bounce off internal organs and tissues to create real-time images we can view immediately.
Key Features of Veterinary Ultrasound:
- Real-time internal imaging of soft tissues and organs
- Uses a handheld probe and gel—no pain involved
- Commonly used in small animal medicine for abdominal and cardiac exams
- No radiation exposure, unlike X-rays or CT scans
Whether we’re evaluating the liver, bladder, or heart, ultrasound gives us a clearer picture—so we can diagnose accurately and treat your pet confidently.
When Is an Ultrasound Recommended for Pets?
Ultrasound is often recommended when a physical exam, lab result, or behavioral change raises concern. It allows us to look beneath the surface and identify problems that aren’t visible externally.
You might be advised to schedule an ultrasound for your pet if they’re experiencing:
- Abnormal bloodwork or urinalysis results
- Ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss
- A lump or suspected internal mass
- Pregnancy monitoring
- Abdominal trauma or sudden collapse
- Evaluation of major organs like the liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, or heart
Our team will walk you through the decision and explain why an ultrasound may be helpful in your pet’s case.
What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed with a Pet Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is extremely helpful in identifying or monitoring a range of internal health concerns in both dogs and cats. Here are some of the most common conditions we assess using ultrasound at Rosecrans Veterinary Care:
- Bladder stones or urinary obstructions – to determine if surgery or a diet change is needed
- Pregnancy and fetal health – to monitor litter development and detect complications early
- Liver, spleen, and kidney abnormalities – including cysts, enlargement, or inflammation
- Heart disease (echocardiograms) – to evaluate heart function and detect murmurs or failure
- Internal bleeding or fluid accumulation – critical in emergency or trauma situations
- Abdominal tumors or growths – to help detect and characterize masses for biopsy or removal
These insights are often crucial in helping us avoid exploratory surgery and start the right treatment faster.
What Are the Benefits of an Ultrasound for My Pet?
Veterinary ultrasound offers clear advantages when it comes to both comfort and accuracy. It’s especially helpful for evaluating soft tissues that don’t show up well on X-rays, like the liver or intestines. Most importantly, it gives us answers quickly, so your pet doesn’t have to wait for relief.
Benefits of Veterinary Ultrasound:
- Non-invasive and pain-free for pets
- Often no sedation required
- Real-time results during your visit
- Reduces need for exploratory surgery
- Works alongside lab testing, X-rays, and other diagnostics
Whether your pet is experiencing ongoing health issues or sudden symptoms, ultrasound can give us answers while keeping your pet calm and safe.
How Should I Prepare My Pet for an Ultrasound?
At Rosecrans Veterinary Care, we make every effort to ensure your pet’s ultrasound experience is smooth and stress-free. Here’s how you can help us prepare:
- Fasting: Please don’t feed your pet for 8–12 hours before the appointment unless told otherwise. This reduces gas in the abdomen and improves image quality.
- Full bladder: If we’ll be examining the bladder, try not to let your pet urinate for at least 2–4 hours beforehand.
- Bring comfort items: A favorite blanket, toy, or treats can make your pet feel more secure.
- Sedation: Rarely necessary, but we’ll discuss it if your pet is especially anxious or uncomfortable.
Our Fear Free approach ensures your pet is treated gently every step of the way.
Why Choose Rosecrans Veterinary Care for Pet Ultrasounds in Hawthorne, CA?
Rosecrans Veterinary Care is proud to serve Hawthorne and the surrounding South Bay communities with advanced diagnostic imaging and compassionate care. Our in-house ultrasound capabilities allow us to provide immediate answers—whether your pet needs urgent care or routine health monitoring.
Here’s why local families choose us:
- Compassionate, expert team with a gentle touch
- State-of-the-art ultrasound equipment on-site
- Quick turnarounds and real-time diagnostic decisions
- Trusted by Hawthorne pet owners for decades
- Fear Free Certified techniques that reduce stress and anxiety
When your pet isn’t feeling well, you need a team that combines skill, speed, and kindness—and that’s exactly what we deliver.
Schedule a Veterinary Ultrasound in Hawthorne, CA!
If your pet is showing signs of illness or discomfort, a veterinary ultrasound may provide the answers you need. At Rosecrans Veterinary Care in Hawthorne, CA, we offer gentle, advanced diagnostic services to help your pet feel better—faster.
Call us today or request an appointment online to get started with a team that truly cares.
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Diagnostic Imaging
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Ultrasound Diagnostics
- Antech Diagnostics – How Veterinary Ultrasound Works
Meet Dr. McCoy
Dr. Rochelle McCoy, DVM, is the owner of Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic in Hawthorne, CA. A dedicated vet with a passion for compassionate, community-focused care, she understands the deep bond between pets and their families. Having earned her veterinary degree in 2004, Dr. McCoy is fluent in English and Tagalog, making her a trusted resource for pet owners of diverse backgrounds. She is committed to ensuring every pet receives personalized, high-quality care. A member of the AVMA, CVMA, and SCVMA, she stays at the forefront of veterinary medicine. Outside the clinic, she cherishes time with her family and pets, embodying the same love for animals that she sees in her clients every day.