Get Answers Fast: Ultrasound & Echocardiography for Dogs Near Houston, Texas
If you’re a pet owner near Houston, finding high-quality, fast and accurate pet care is easy with Sage Veterinary Imaging.
Ever wonder how veterinarians diagnose what's happening inside your pet without invasive surgery? The answer lies in diagnostic imaging. Yes, the same technology used in human medicine is available for your dog!
When your furry friend isn't feeling well, having access to the best diagnostic tools can make all the difference. If you're looking for an ultrasound for dogs near Houston, Texas, Sage Veterinary Imaging is the leader in providing cutting-edge ultrasound services for pets. That means precise diagnoses and effective treatments for your furry best friends.
We understand how important it is to get answers fast when your pet's health is at stake. That's why same-day appointments and quick, accurate results are part of our services. By choosing Sage, you're ensuring your pet gets the expert care they need—without the inconvenient delays.
Ready to learn more about how ultrasound can benefit your pet? Let's dive into the details of what ultrasound is, why your dog might need one, and how Sage Veterinary Imaging stands out as the premier provider in the Houston area.
What is Ultrasound for Dogs?
How many times have you wished your dog could talk? Either to tell you where it hurts or why they’re not feeling well. That’s where ultrasound comes in, offering a glimpse into their inner world.Think of it as a magical window that lets veterinarians see what’s going on inside your furry friend!
An ultrasound examination, also known as ultrasonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows your vet or specialist to see the inner workings of your pet. This technology is also known as echocardiography when it’s used to image the patient’s heart.
By using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasounds create real-time images of your pet’s internal organs, tissues, and blood flow, providing a wealth of information–without the need for surgery. This advanced technology helps our veterinarians easily identify health issues, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care.
Unlike X-rays, which are potentially dangerous at very high doses, ultrasound waves are widely considered safe. If your pet requires anesthesia, sedation, or a biopsy, there may be a low risk involved. These risks can be explained in detail to you by your veterinarian.
Dr. Jaime Sage, founder of Sage Veterinary Imaging, performing an ultrasound on a dog
Why Ultrasound?
Next to X-ray, ultrasound is the most widely used diagnostic imaging modality in veterinary medicine. Here’s why:
Ultrasound is relatively inexpensive compared to other advanced imaging tools.
This modality provides a lot of information for the price.
The machines are easy to work with.
These services are more available compared to other imaging services like CT or MRI.
There’s no need for incisions, reducing the risk of complications.
Allows for fast diagnosis and treatment planning.
Most vets are comfortable using ultrasound for everything–from simple puppy checkups to things more serious like intestinal obstructions. Because of the ease of use, you can understand why veterinary ultrasound for dogs is so widely available near Houston.
That being said, SVI has fully-equipped diagnostic imaging centers ready to serve your pet should they require an ultrasound, MRI, CT, or X-ray services. Once you talk to one of our trained, certified radiologists, you’ll be able to make a decision about which service your pet needs most.
Why Your Dog Might Need an Ultrasound or Echocardiogram
Because ultrasounds gather more information than X-rays, they’re a powerful and useful tool for diagnosing a range of potential health concerns. When a pet has a tumor or ingests something it shouldn’t have, an ultrasound can be helpful to locate and identify what’s going on inside.
90% of ultrasounds performed on dogs are for imaging structures in the abdominal cavity or the heart. [1]
There are a host of other health complications ultrasound can identify as well:
Bleeding disorders
Pregnancy
Pancreatitis
Enlarged abdominal organ
Stones in the kidney or bladder
Portosystemic shunts
Image-guided needle biopsies
Certain eye disease
Whether it’s to monitor a pregnancy or investigate a mysterious lump, ultrasounds provide a clearer picture. Being able to accurately diagnose these conditions can be lifesaving in an emergency situation. This makes ultrasound an invaluable tool that helps protect your pet's well-being in the safest way possible.
How Much Does an Ultrasound for Dogs Cost?
The cost of an ultrasound can vary widely based on the provider, the equipment used, and the expertise of the operator. Generally, you can expect to pay between $350 and $700. At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we strive to offer competitive pricing while ensuring top-quality care.
For example, a general practice vet in a rural area with an older machine might charge $350, while a board-certified radiologist using the latest technology might charge $500-$700.
Although the initial cost of a scan may seem high, a few things are considered to understand pricing for this special exam:
High cost of ultrasound equipment
Specialized training required to interpret the image and make an accurate diagnosis
Amount of time and teamwork involved in carrying out the exam and follow-up consultations
With a wide range of services available, you have your choice of which route will be the best for your budget. Overall, the price will include the operating cost of the equipment, the experts that know how to run it, and the team it takes to make a diagnosis and give your pet the best care.
Is Anesthesia Required for an Ultrasound for Dogs?
Anesthesia isn’t usually needed for most ultrasound examinations unless biopsies are needed. An ultrasound exam is totally painless and most dogs will lie comfortably while the scan is being performed.
Occasionally, if the dog is very nervous or just not having it, a sedative may be administered. This just makes them a little sleepy for a short period of time.
Meet Sage Veterinary Imaging
If you’re in the Houston area and need an ultrasound for your dog, contact Sage Veterinary Imaging today to schedule an appointment. Our expert team and advanced technology ensure your pet receives the best care possible.
When you visit Sage Veterinary Imaging, you’ll be met by a professional, friendly team ready to give your pet the best possible care.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we specialize in advanced pet diagnostics. Using state-of-the-art equipment, our board-certified radiologists deliver fast, accurate results, whether you’re referred by your vet or seeking a second opinion.
Here’s why Sage Veterinary Imaging stands out:
Expertise: Our board-certified radiologists provide precise and reliable diagnoses.
Advanced Technology: We use the latest ultrasound equipment for high-quality imaging.
Convenience: Same-day appointments and efficient outpatient services mean quick answers.
Comprehensive Care: From ultrasounds to MRI and CT scans, we’re your one-stop shop for all your pet’s diagnostic needs.
Give us a call today and discover why we’re the trusted choice for pet parents in Houston, Texas.
References:
Tufts Your Dog. "Medical Imaging for Dogs: X-ray, Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, or Nuclear?" TuftsYourDog.com, https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/doghealthandmedicine/medical-imaging-for-dogs-x-ray-ultrasound-ct-scan-mri-or-nuclear/. Accessed 17 June 2024.
