Outpatient Ultrasound Appointment

WHAT TO EXPECT: Prior to Arrival - Some Considerations

An outpatient ultrasound is ideal when your family veterinarian has already examined your pet and needs further diagnostic advice before pursuing treatment. In general, outpatient ultrasounds are best suited for non-critical and stable patients. If we feel that upon presentation, your pet is unstable and requires immediate medical care, we will (with your permission) provide this care through the emergency department, and then contact your veterinarian to update them on your pet’s condition.

• Please do not feed your pet on the day of the exam (water in small amounts is ok), as food and air in the stomach and intestines can interfere with some ultrasound examinations.
• In order to perform the exam and obtain high quality diagnostic images, your pet’s fur will be shaved in the area of the study. This is required, but we will make every effort to shave as little fur as possible.

WHAT TO EXPECT: On Arrival

• Upon arrival at Bulger, you will check in with one of our client care team members. You will be greeted by a technician who will answer your questions about the procedure, then take your pet to the ultrasound examination room.
• Your pet’s ultrasound will be performed by a board certified or board eligible specialist in radiology.
• Rarely, sedation may be recommended to minimize the stress on your pet and help our team obtain a diagnostic exam. If we feel that sedation is required, we will discuss any questions you might have and obtain your authorization prior to proceeding.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Receiving Results

• Following your pet’s ultrasound, our radiologist will review the results of the examination with you and answer any questions you might have regarding the findings. In addition to discussing the findings with you, our radiologist will also discuss them with your veterinarian and follow up with a detailed report by fax.
• Your primary veterinarian has the best understanding of your pet’s history and overall medical condition, and as a result they are the best resource to answer questions you might have about prognosis and specific diagnostic or therapeutic recommendations.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your pet’s medical team. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions regarding this or any other process.