COMMON INQUIRIES
Your Questions, Answered
CAN MY PET EAT BEFORE THEIR APPOINTMENT?
Yes for an abdominal ultrasound we prefer that the patients be fasted 6-8hrs prior to their appointment time. this allows better visualization of the stomach and pancreas in particular. For echocardiograms we generally do not need the patients fasted.
WILL MY PET NEED SEDATION?
It is unusual that we need to sedate pets to perform ultrasound and echocardiograms. In some cases however we may need to sedate if we are performing ultrasound guided needle aspirates, thoraco or abdominocentesis procedures among others but typically only a light sedative is needed and these procedures are outpatient.
HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT TAKE?
This ultimately depends on the procedure being performed but in general all procedures will be performed the day of the appointment (ultrasounds, echocardiograms, ultrasound guided aspirates) or scheduled shortly thereafter in cases where endoscopy, full biopsies may be performed. These procedures are still all outpatient in nature. All recommended testing will be discussed with owners prior to performing.
CAN I BE WITH MY PET DURING PROCEDURES?
This is ultimately up to the primary Dr's hospital policies but generally clients are welcome to be present during our ultrasound and echocardiogram exams but if any anesthesia is to be used such as during endoscopy we will ask that your drop off or wait in the lobby.