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Veterinary Ultrasound in Chapel Hill

At Vine Veterinary Hospital, we use veterinary ultrasounds as a safe, non-invasive way to look inside your pet’s body. 

This advanced diagnostic imaging tool allows our team to quickly gather important information, helping us provide the best possible care for your companion.

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Vine Vet - Ultrasounds

Why Do Animals Need Ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds give our veterinarians a detailed view of your pet’s internal organs without surgery or discomfort. They can be an essential part of evaluating your pet’s health and planning the right next steps for treatment.

Common reasons a pet may need an ultrasound include:

  • Detecting heart problems or irregularities
  • Evaluating abdominal organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen
  • Investigating unexplained weight loss, pain, or appetite changes
  • Monitoring pregnancies
  • Identifying bladder stones or urinary issues
  • Checking for fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen
  • Guiding certain procedures, such as biopsies

Benefits of Veterinary Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds offer several important advantages for pets and their families, because they are:

  • Non-invasive: Veterinary ultrasounds require no incisions or anesthesia, so your pet can be examined without the risks or recovery time that come with surgery.
  • Painless: The procedure is gentle and comfortable, so most pets remain calm and relaxed—many barely notice it’s happening.
  • Quick: Results are available immediately, allowing our team to share what we see and discuss next steps with you during the same visit.
  • Versatile: From checking heart function to evaluating abdominal organs, veterinary ultrasounds can be used to assess and monitor a wide range of health concerns.

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What to Expect During Your Pet’s Ultrasound

When you bring your pet in for an ultrasound at Vine Veterinary Hospital, our compassionate team will first help them get comfortable. 

The area to be examined is usually shaved to allow clear contact between the ultrasound probe and your pet’s skin. A small amount of gel is applied, and our veterinarian will gently move the probe over the area while images appear on the screen in real time.

Most veterinary ultrasounds take less than 30 minutes, but we typically ask that you drop off your pet for this procedure. 

Ultrasounds are non-invasive and do not require sedation for most cases, and they can typically return to their normal routine right after the appointment. Your pet may need sedation if their condition requires fine needle aspiration (FNA). Our team will communicate with you on the day of the procedure so you know exactly what to expect.

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How to Prepare Your Pet for an Ultrasound

Most ultrasounds require little preparation, but following a few simple steps can help ensure the clearest images and the smoothest visit:

  • In some cases, we may recommend withholding food for 8–12 hours before the appointment to reduce gas in the stomach and intestines, which can interfere with imaging.
  • Unless otherwise instructed, you should continue to provide fresh water so your pet stays hydrated.
  • Bringing your pet’s favorite blanket or toy can help them feel more relaxed during the procedure.
  • You should continue giving any prescribed medications unless we advise otherwise, and call us ahead of time if you have questions about a specific medication.
  • Arriving on time ensures we have plenty of opportunity to help your pet settle in before the ultrasound begins.

If you have any questions before bringing your pet in for an ultrasound, our team can walk you through any preparation instructions to ensure you and your pet feel confident and ready for the procedure.

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