Veterinary Ultrasound in Lubbock, TX
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool that allows our veterinary team to see inside your pet’s body cavities and organs in real time. Using harmless sound waves, ultrasound creates detailed images of soft tissues that are difficult to evaluate with x-rays alone. It also allows us to safely guide needles to collect tissue or fluid samples for testing, often avoiding the need for exploratory surgery.
Specialist-Level Ultrasound Without the Long Drive
Hub City Veterinary Clinic works with Dr. Kirk Sears, a mobile board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, to provide advanced ultrasound evaluations and case consultations. This partnership gives Lubbock pet owners access to specialist-level diagnostics and expert internal medicine insight in the comfort of our familiar clinic, rather than traveling to a distant referral hospital.
What Ultrasound Can Evaluate
Ultrasound can assess many body systems, including the endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. Our veterinarians may recommend an ultrasound to help diagnose or monitor:
- Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss
- Liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreatic disease
- Kidney disease and bladder stones
- Adrenal and other endocrine disorders
- Abdominal masses and cancer staging
- Fluid in the abdomen or chest
- Abnormal bloodwork results
- Pregnancy confirmation and monitoring
Preparing Your Pet for an Ultrasound
Most abdominal ultrasounds require your pet to fast for several hours beforehand so the stomach is empty and images are clearer. We may also need to shave a small area of fur to improve contact with the probe. The procedure is painless, and many pets need little or no sedation. Our team will give you specific instructions when your appointment is scheduled.
Ultrasound is often used together with digital radiology and endoscopy to give our veterinarians the most complete picture of your pet’s health. To schedule an ultrasound consultation, call Hub City Veterinary Clinic at (806) 701-5000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Ultrasound
Is ultrasound safe for pets?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation and is completely non-invasive and painless.
Who performs ultrasounds at Hub City Veterinary Clinic?
We work with Dr. Kirk Sears, a mobile board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, to provide advanced ultrasound evaluations in our clinic.
Does my pet need to fast before an ultrasound?
Most abdominal ultrasounds require fasting for several hours beforehand. Our team will give you specific instructions when scheduling.
Will my pet’s fur be shaved for an ultrasound?
A small area of fur may need to be shaved so the probe can make good contact with the skin and produce clear images.
Does my pet need sedation for an ultrasound?
Many pets need little or no sedation. Light sedation may be used if a pet is anxious, painful, or if tissue samples are being collected.
What can an ultrasound diagnose in pets?
Ultrasound can help diagnose liver, kidney, bladder, spleen, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and endocrine conditions, as well as masses and pregnancy.
How is ultrasound different from x-rays?
X-rays show bones and overall organ size and shape, while ultrasound shows the internal structure of soft tissues and organs in real time.
