Radiology
Colonial Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer the radiology and ultrasound services of Dr. Alain Giroux. Dr. Giroux is a Board Certified Radiologist. He evaluates all of the radiographs taken at our hospital and is a valuable resource to us in helping to make important decisions about your pet's care. In addition, Dr. Giroux performs ultrasound examinations at our hospital and is often available for emergencies.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the pet through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a visual image. No x-rays are involved in ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound is excellent in identifying fine lesions involving structures of the abdomen and chest. Ultrasound is also great in characterizing cardiac disease. In some instances, tissue samples may be obtained from abnormal organs.
Getting your Pet Ready for an Ultrasound
Call our office and make an appointment for ultrasound with Dr. Giroux. Please be sure to alert our receptionist if your pet has an emergency and may also need hospitalization, diagnostic testing in addition to ultrasound or if it is likely that your pet needs surgery depending on the outcome of the ultrasound. You may need to see one of our other veterinarians who can admit your pet and arrange for medical support pending the ultrasound examination and consult with one our board-certified surgeons if necessary.
On the day of your appointment, your pet should be fasted of food for at least 12 hours prior to the procedure. If your pet is diabetic, please call for instructions as these pets should not be fasted. Pets should not be allowed to void urine at least three to four hours prior to the ultrasound study. This is especially important when the urinary system (urinary bladder and kidneys) is the specific organ of suspected disease.
You should bring any radiographs performed prior to the study as well as any pertinent medical records with you for the radiologist to review or confirm with your veterinarian that this information has been provided prior to your arrival.
When you arrive for your appointment for ultrasound, you will leave your pet with us or wait while the study is performed. You will not be allowed in the procedure room when the study is performed.
Please be aware, your pet's fur will be shaved in the area of the study prior to the ultrasound. No special procedure s will be performed or sedation utilized without your consent.
Dr. Giroux will report to your veterinarian who will then contact you directly about the results of the test.
