Veterinary Ultrasound Services in Richmond, Vermont
Advanced diagnostic imaging to see what's happening inside your pet's body. Safe, non-invasive, and performed right here in Richmond by our experienced team.
Seeing What We Can't Feel
Sometimes a physical exam and bloodwork aren't enough to tell us what's wrong with your pet. That's where ultrasound comes in.
Ultrasound imaging, also called sonographic imaging, uses sound waves to visualize your pet's internal organs, blood flow, vasculature, and other important structures. It's completely painless, economical, and doesn't use ionizing radiation like X-rays do. Best of all, it typically requires mild to no sedation for most pets.
At Richmond Animal Hospital, our team use ultrasound technology to provide compassionate, high-quality diagnostic information for both focal and systemic diseases. The real-time images give us unique insight into organs and soft tissue structures that we simply can't see through physical exams alone.
We can also use ultrasound to guide targeted sampling of body cavity fluid and other structural anomalies, making procedures safer and more accurate.
What Ultrasound Helps Us Diagnose:
- Emergency evaluation to detect free fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity (AFAST/TFAST)
- Cancer affecting abdominal and other soft tissue organs
- Causes of bloodwork abnormalities (elevated liver, kidney, or pancreatic values)
- Intestinal disorders requiring comprehensive work up
- Gastric and intestinal obstructions
- Urinary tract issues (stones, inflammation, or neoplasia causing blood in urine)
- Pregnancy evaluation
- Heart and cardiac abnormalities
Ultrasound gives us a detailed look inside your pet's body without surgery or invasive procedures. This helps us diagnose conditions earlier and more accurately, leading to better treatment outcomes.
Common Reasons for Ultrasound Imaging
Dr. Sherman and Dr. Fritz may recommend an ultrasound for your pet in several situations:
Abnormal
Bloodwork Results
If bloodwork shows elevated liver enzymes, kidney problems, or other organ abnormalities, ultrasound helps us see exactly what's happening and how serious it is.
Unexplained
Vomiting or Diarrhea
When digestive symptoms persist or bloodwork suggests an intestinal issue, ultrasound can reveal blockages, inflammation, or masses that X-rays might miss.
Suspected
Bladder Stones
Ultrasound is excellent for detecting bladder stones, evaluating kidney health, and identifying causes of urinary tract symptoms like straining, blood in urine, or frequent urination.
Heart Murmur
or Cardiac Concerns
If the veterinarian hears a heart murmur during your pet's exam, an echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) shows us the heart's structure, valve function, and blood flow to determine the severity and guide treatment.
Lumps, Masses,
or Swelling
Ultrasound helps us determine if a lump is fluid-filled, solid, or attached to underlying organs. This guides our biopsy and treatment recommendations.
Abdominal Fluid
or Distension
If your pet's abdomen is swollen or fluid is present, ultrasound helps identify the cause and whether drainage or other treatment is needed.
Pregnancy
Confirmation
For breeders or if you suspect your pet is pregnant, ultrasound confirms pregnancy as early as 3-4 weeks and monitors fetal health.
Pre-Surgical
Planning
Before surgery, ultrasound can help us map out exactly where a mass is located or assess organ health to ensure safe anesthesia.
Emergency Ultrasound Evaluation
Ultrasound is invaluable in emergency situations where quick answers save lives.
AFAST/TFAST Scans
(Abdominal/Thoracic Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma)
When pets come in with trauma, acute collapse, or severe illness, Dr. Sherman and Dr. Fritz can perform rapid ultrasound scans to detect free fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity. This tells us immediately if there's internal bleeding, fluid accumulation, or other life-threatening conditions that need urgent intervention.
These focused scans take just minutes and can be lifesaving in emergency situations.
The Ultrasound Process: Gentle and Stress-Free
Most pets tolerate ultrasound very well. Here's exactly what to expect:
Before the Ultrasound
Fasting May Be Required
For abdominal ultrasounds, we typically ask that you withhold food for 8-12 hours before the appointment (water is usually okay). An empty stomach gives us clearer images of abdominal organs.
For cardiac ultrasounds (heart), fasting is usually not necessary.
We'll give you specific preparation instructions when we schedule your appointment.
During the Ultrasound
Gentle
Positioning
We'll position your pet comfortably on a padded table, usually lying on their back or side. Most pets relax once they realize the process doesn't hurt.
Small Area
of Fur Clipped
We sometimes need to clip the hair coat in the region of interest to improve contact between the ultrasound probe and your pet's skin. Hair interferes with sound wave transmission, so this step ensures clear images. The fur will grow back within a few weeks.
Ultrasound
Gel Applied
We'll apply a water-based gel to the area. This helps the ultrasound probe make good contact with the skin and transmit sound waves effectively.
Imaging
Begins
Our trained technician will gently move the ultrasound probe over the area being examined. You'll see real-time images on the screen as we look at organs, blood flow, and tissues.
This painless examination typically requires mild to no sedation. Most pets stay calm throughout the process, and many even fall asleep! For anxious pets, we can discuss gentle sedation if needed.
Image
Review
We'll review the images during or immediately after the ultrasound and discuss our initial findings with you.
After Ultrasound
Your pet can resume normal activities immediately. The gel washes off easily with a damp cloth or during your pet's next bath.
Power of Real-Time Imaging
Ultrasound provides information that X-rays and physical exams can't. Here's what we're looking for:
Organ Structure and Size
- Are organs normal size or enlarged/shrunken?
- Are there masses, cysts, or abnormal growths?
- Is organ texture normal or diseased?
Blood Flow (Doppler Ultrasound)
- Is blood flowing normally through vessels?
- Are heart valves working properly?
- Is there abnormal blood flow suggesting tumors or clots?
Fluid Detection
- Is there fluid in the abdomen or chest?
- What type of fluid is it (blood, urine, infection)?
- Where is it coming from?
Tissue Characteristics
- Is a mass solid or fluid-filled?
- Does it have well-defined borders or irregular edges?
- Is it attached to surrounding organs?
Pregnancy and Fetal Health
- How many puppies or kittens are present?
- Are fetal heartbeats normal?
- Is development progressing normally?
Guided Procedures
Sometimes ultrasound helps us perform safer biopsies or fluid collection by guiding the needle to exactly the right spot while avoiding blood vessels and other structures.
When We Use Each Imaging Type
Both ultrasound and X-rays are valuable diagnostic tools, but they show us different things.
X-Rays Are Best For
- Bone fractures or arthritis
- Foreign objects in the stomach or intestines (metal, rocks, some plastics)
- Chest diseases (pneumonia, fluid, some heart conditions)
- Overall organ size and position
Ultrasound Is Best For
- Detailed organ structure and texture
- Blood flow assessment
- Distinguishing fluid from solid masses
- Pregnancy confirmation
- Guiding biopsies or fluid collection
- Soft tissue detail (organs, muscles)
Sometimes We Use Both
For comprehensive diagnosis, we often combine X-rays and ultrasound. X-rays give us the big picture, while ultrasound provides detailed close-ups.
The doctors will recommend the best imaging approach for your pet's specific symptoms.
Pre-Ultrasound Instructions
Preparation requirements depend on which type of ultrasound your pet is having
For Abdominal Ultrasound
✓ Withhold food for 8-12 hours before the appointment
(We'll give you the exact time when we schedule)
✓ Water is usually okay until a few hours before
(We'll specify)
✓ Give medications only as instructed
Some medications should be given, others should be skipped
✓ Bring a list of current medications and supplements
For Cardiac Ultrasound (Heart)
✓ No fasting required
Your pet can eat normally
✓ Bring current heart medications
✓ Bring any previous cardiac test results if you have them
For All Ultrasounds
✓ Keep your pet calm before the appointment
Avoid vigorous exercise right before
✓ Bathroom break before arriving
✓ Bring high-value treats if your pet is food-motivated (we can use them during the exam for anxious pets, if appropriate)
Have an Anxious Pet?
Let us know when you schedule. For very nervous pets, we can discuss mild sedation to make the experience more comfortable.
Referrals Welcome from Other Veterinary Clinics
Whether you're a current client of Richmond Animal Hospital or a client at another veterinary clinic who needs ultrasound services, we're here to help.
We welcome referrals from other veterinarians and are happy to collaborate with your regular vet to get your pet the diagnostic imaging they need. Our team will perform the ultrasound examination and provide detailed results to both you and your referring veterinarian.
For Referring Veterinarians
If you'd like to refer a patient for ultrasound imaging, please contact us at
(802) 434-4935. We'll coordinate scheduling and ensure comprehensive communication of findings.
For Pet Owners
If your regular veterinarian has recommended an ultrasound and referred you to us, we're honored to be part of your pet's care team. We'll work closely with your vet to provide the diagnostic information needed for your pet's treatment plan.
Does Your Pet Need Ultrasound Imaging?
If a veterinarian has recommended an ultrasound or you have concerns about your pet's health that might benefit from advanced imaging, we're here to help.
Questions first? Send us a message