When it comes to the safety of your pet, it's natural to question the medical procedures that your vet proposes. Pet ultrasounds, which play an important role in veterinary diagnostics, often fall under scrutiny. However, that scrutiny may arise due to myths, making it important to debunk them.
Ultrasounds Are Painful
Ultrasounds are not painful. They're a non-invasive form of imaging that provide quick results. Your vet will perform the ultrasound by pressing a handheld device onto the area they want to investigate. That device emits sounds that bounce onto the structures inside your pet and then back again. As the sounds return, they form an image that offers invaluable insights into what your pet is suffering from. No incisions or invasive techniques are needed for a pet ultrasound.
Harmful Radiation
One of the biggest benefits of a pet ultrasound is that it requires no radiation at all. Unlike X-rays, they can create images that use high-frequency sound waves. While this means they're not appropriate for all types of imaging, it also ensures your pet isn't receiving a radiation dose. If your vet feels as though another type of imaging is necessary, they'll let you know and they'll discuss the risks with you.
Too Many Ultrasounds
There's no such thing as "too many" ultrasounds. Having regular ultrasounds won't lead to health issues. Consider pregnant women and those who have vascular diseases, for example. They receive regular ultrasounds with no ill effects. Your pet can also undergo multiple ultrasounds without you needing to worry about side effects.
Only for Pregnancy
Of course, it's true that the immediate association you make with ultrasound is pregnancy. However, ultrasounds can prove useful for a myriad of conditions. They're excellent for examining a lot of organs, including the heart and kidneys. They also offer insights into what's happening with your pet's circulatory system. As such, if you have a male pet and your vet offers an ultrasound, don't be confused.
Stressful Procedure
Ultrasounds are usually quick, lasting no more than an hour in most cases. Although your pet might feel unsettled in the unfamiliar environment that is their vet's surgery, an ultrasound shouldn't exacerbate this. Your vet and their nursing team will employ techniques to help your pet feel at ease. To help, you might want to attend the ultrasound with your pet so they have a familiar face nearby.
Pet ultrasounds are a vital tool in veterinary diagnostics. Now you know more about the myths surrounding them, you'll hopefully feel at ease if your pet needs one. For more information on pet ultrasounds, contact a professional near you.
