Webb VPC Mobile Imaging Services

Abdominal Ultrasound

This is a thorough assessment of the entire abdominal
cavity. Assessment includes the liver, gallbladder, bile duct, stomach, spleen,
kidneys, ureters if visible, adrenal glands, urinary bladder +/- prostate,
visible urethra, colon, pancreas, small intestine, lymph nodes, mesentery, and
vasculature; reproductive organs are assessed if present. Abdominal fluid can
be assessed for amount and echogenicity.

Urogenital Ultrasound

This assessment should be reserved for young animals with
signs limited to the urogenital tract, such as suspected urolithiasis or
chronic urinary tract infection. Organs assessed include the kidneys, ureters
if visible, urinary bladder, visible urethra, and any reproductive organs.

Gastrointestinal Ultrasound

This assessment should be reserved for young animals with a
strong suspicion of acute gastrointestinal disease, such as a suspected
gastrointestinal foreign body. Organs assessed include the stomach, small
intestine and colon. This should not be requested in pets with chronic gastrointestinal
signs or in older pets.

Thoracic Ultrasound

A thoracic ultrasound is recommended in pets with thoracic
masses, pulmonary masses or consolidation, and/or pleural effusion. This
ultrasound includes a thorough assessment of the entire thoracic cavity, but
does not provide information about heart enlargement or function.

Thyroid/Parathyroid Ultrasound

This assessment is requested in pets diagnosed with primary
hyperparathyroidism, or with suspected thyroid carcinoma or other thyroid
masses. It is not recommended for cats with hyperthyroidism unless thyroid
carcinoma is suspected.

Cervical Ultrasound

A cervical ultrasound is recommended for pets with cervical
swelling, masses, suspected cervical abscesses, or for laryngeal disease such as
suspected laryngeal masses. The entire ventral cervical region, including the
larynx, is included.

Soft Tissue Ultrasound

A soft tissue ultrasound is utilized in pets with soft
tissue masses or swellings. These are often present in pets with neoplasia,
abscesses, or cellulitis, therefore ultrasound-guided aspiration is often
recommended in these pets. Some pets will warrant coagulation testing prior to
aspiration.

Ultrasound Guided Aspiration or Biopsy

If an abnormality is found on ultrasound examination, it is
often beneficial to obtain samples to aid in diagnosis. This typically requires
sedation, although some pets may require a short general anesthetic. Samples
can be obtained via aspiration (using a small gauge needle and syringe for
suction), or biopsy (using a biopsy needle or catheter assistance). Obtained
material can be submitted for cytology/histology assessment, and/or culture.
Some pets will require an assessment of coagulation prior to sampling.

Thoracocentesis, Pericardiocentesis, and Abdominocentesis

If fluid is noted in the pleural space, pericardial space,
or abdominal cavity, a procedure can be performed to obtain samples and reduce
the volume. Thoracocentesis, pericardiocentesis, and abdominocentesis require
sedation and may also utilize local anesthesia. Obtained fluid can be submitted
for cytology and/or culture.