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Veterinary Ultrasound in Maspalomas

High-precision diagnostic imaging for your pet in Gran Canaria. We use professional state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment for the highest quality diagnostic images.

Service Summary

Technique
High-resolution ultrasonography
Equipment
Professional state-of-the-art ultrasound machine
Duration
20 – 45 minutes depending on examination
Fasting
Recommended for abdominal ultrasound (6-8h)
Sedation
Generally not necessary
Report
Digital, same day or within 24h
Patients
Dogs and cats

What is veterinary ultrasound?

Veterinary ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to obtain real-time images of your pet's internal organs and tissues. The ultrasound machine emits high-frequency sound waves through a transducer placed on the animal's skin, and the waves reflected by different tissues are converted into images on the equipment screen.

Unlike X-rays, ultrasound allows organs to be visualised in motion and images to be obtained in multiple planes, providing much more detailed diagnostic information about the structure, size, echogenicity and function of soft tissues. It is especially useful for evaluating the liver, kidneys, spleen, gallbladder, urinary bladder, intestines, lymph nodes, heart and major vessels.

Veterinary ultrasound is completely safe for your pet: it does not use ionising radiation, is non-invasive, and is painless. In the vast majority of cases it can be performed without sedation, although it may be necessary to shave the fur in the area to be explored to ensure transducer contact with the skin.

When does my pet need an ultrasound?

Your veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound in many clinical situations. Some of the most frequent reasons are:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea without a clear cause
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Increased abdominal volume or ascites
  • Abnormalities in blood tests (liver, kidney, etc.)
  • Polydipsia and/or polyuria (drinking and urinating more than normal)
  • Difficulty urinating or haematuria
  • Palpable masses in the abdomen
  • Cardiac evaluation for suspected heart disease
  • Respiratory difficulty or chronic cough
  • Follow-up of known tumours
  • Preventive check-up in older animals
  • Pre-operative staging in animals with cancer
  • Reproductive evaluation (pregnancy, pyometra, etc.)
  • Guidance for puncture or biopsy of lesions

What happens during the examination?

1

Reception and history

On arrival, we collect the patient's clinical history and reason for consultation. It is useful to bring any previous reports or test results.

2

Patient preparation

We will shave the area to be examined and apply ultrasound coupling gel to ensure optimal contact between the transducer and the skin.

3

Ultrasound examination

The animal is placed in lateral recumbency (lying on its side) on a padded table. We perform a systematic examination with the transducer over the area to be evaluated.

4

Evaluation and report

We analyse all findings and prepare the written report with representative images. Results are sent to the referring veterinarian on the same day.

The diagnostic report

Each ultrasound examination at VETECO is accompanied by a complete written diagnostic report, prepared by the veterinarian responsible for the examination.

Detailed description

Systematic description of all organs examined: morphology, size, echogenicity, relationships with adjacent structures and relevant findings.

Representative images

Screenshots of the most relevant ultrasound images, labelled and commented to facilitate their understanding.

Diagnostic conclusions

Summary of findings with diagnostic guidance and recommendations for follow-up or treatment when appropriate.

Frequently asked questions about ultrasound

Veterinary ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique based on the emission and reception of high-frequency ultrasound waves. The equipment emits these waves through animal tissue and, depending on how they reflect off different tissues and organs, generates real-time images on the screen. It is completely safe, painless and does not use ionising radiation.
For abdominal ultrasound, solid food fasting of 6-8 hours before is important for adult dogs (4-6 hours for cats). Water can be given until appointment time. The fur in the area to be examined will be shaved at the clinic. For other types of ultrasound, fasting is generally not necessary.
In the vast majority of cases sedation is not necessary. Ultrasound is a painless examination that most dogs and cats tolerate perfectly lying on the table. Only in cases of very anxious, aggressive or intensely painful animals may light sedation be considered.
A complete abdominal ultrasound usually lasts 20-40 minutes. An echocardiography can take 30-45 minutes. Partial or focused ultrasounds can be completed in 15-20 minutes. The total visit time is usually 45 minutes to 1 hour.
The written report with representative images is preferably delivered on the same day as the examination. In more complex cases, within a maximum of 24 hours. We send it directly to the referring veterinarian in digital format (PDF).

Does your pet need an ultrasound?

Contact us today and we will manage your appointment quickly. We attend referrals from veterinary clinics and owners from all over Gran Canaria.