Preparing Your Pet for an Ultrasound at Truss Vet: What to Expect and How to Plan
Medically Reviewed by Ruby Wistreich, RVT and Kahlina Frey, DVM, DACVR
Ultrasound is an invaluable diagnostic tool, but knowing how to prepare can make the process smoother for both you and your pet.
This guide answers common questions about preparation, what to bring, and what to expect during and after the appointment.
1. Fasting Before the Appointment: Is It Necessary?
Yes, in most cases, we ask that pets fast for 8 – 12 hours before their ultrasound. A full stomach can interfere with imaging, particularly when examining abdominal organs. Additionally, if sedation is needed, it is ideal for the patient to be fasted to limit any regurgitation or upset stomach secondary to the sedation.
Exceptions:
- For diabetic pets, we may adjust the fasting protocol to ensure they maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- If the appointment is scheduled for the same day and your pet has already eaten, this is sometimes acceptable. Our team will discuss the situation with you and the doctor to determine the best course of action.
- Water is typically allowed up to the time of the procedure unless otherwise directed.
2. Medications: Should You Administer Them?
If your pet takes regular medications, continue administering them as prescribed unless told otherwise by your veterinarian. If anti-anxiety medication is recommended, we’ll guide you on when and how to give it before the appointment.
3. Grooming Considerations:
To ensure clear imaging, we will most likely shave the fur around the ultrasound area. This step is performed in the clinic and helps ensure the ultrasound probe makes direct contact with the skin.
4. What to Bring:
To help streamline the visit, we recommend ensuring your pet’s medical records are sent to us before the appointment. If that hasn’t been done, please bring them with you.
5. Drop-Off or Stay: What to Expect?
Most ultrasound appointments at Truss Vet are drop-off to allow our team the necessary time for a thorough examination. However, if you prefer, you are welcome to stay in the clinic lobby or exam room and wait while the procedure is completed. Please let us know your preference when scheduling the appointment.
For most ultrasounds, plan for your pet to be at our clinic for 1–2 hours, depending on whether sedation is needed.
6. Will Your Pet Need Sedation?
Most pets do not require sedation for ultrasounds. However, for anxious or uncomfortable pets, sedation may be used to ensure they remain calm and still during the procedure. If sedation is needed, we’ll discuss this with you in advance.
7. What Happens After the Ultrasound?
Once the procedure is complete:
- Our board-certified radiologist will review the images and provide an interpretation.
- Results are typically shared with your primary veterinarian, who will then relay the findings and next steps to you. In some cases, this process may vary depending on the specifics of the ultrasound and primary veterinarian.
- Your pet may resume eating and drinking normally after the appointment unless sedation is administered, in which case we’ll provide specific aftercare instructions.
Why Choose Truss Vet for Your Pet’s Ultrasound?
At Truss Vet, we’re committed to providing top-tier diagnostic care with compassion and expertise. With our state-of-the-art technology and the specialized skills of our board-certified radiologist, you can feel confident your pet is in the best hands.
If you have any additional questions about your pet’s ultrasound, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
You can schedule an appointment with us by either getting a referral from your primary veterinarian or giving us a call.