Ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures on a video screen of what is happening inside your pet's body.  It is completely painless and is an invaluable tool to help formulate a diagnosis, and is also used to guide further tests such as non-invasive biopsies and treatment interventions.  Echocardiography is the term used to describe ultrasound of the heart.  In patients with a heart murmur or who have clinical signs of heart disease, it is the gold standard test to assess heart structures and heart function in order to diagnose, stage and determine treatment. Our team includes a veterinarian who is a certified IVUSS veterinarian clinical sonographer.

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We offer high-level ultrasound services and can often accommodate same-day service. Dr. Jacquie Pankatz is an accomplished veterinarian clinical sonographer trained in both the acquisition and interpretation of ultrasound studies including echocardiography, by some of the top specialists in the field.  Dr. Pankatz has served as the President of the International Veterinary Ultrasound Society and has taught and presented ultrasound lectures on a local and worldwide basis.

 

We also accept referrals from other veterinary hospitals, and Dr.  Pankatz  travels with a portable ultrasound machine to provide ultrasound services at other area veterinary hospitals through our mobile division.  We are also able to use telemedicine in order to communicate with specialists such as cardiologists when needed. Our medical team is trained to perform emergency ultrasound scans known as AFAST/TFAST to quickly assess trauma and critically ill patients.