PET ULTRASOUND
Advanced Veterinary Ultrasound Services for Dogs & Cats in Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia and Elkridge
Ultrasonography is one of the most effective and widely used diagnostic imaging tools in veterinary medicine. This non-invasive, pain-free procedure uses sound waves to produce real-time images of your pet’s internal organs, helping veterinarians accurately diagnose and monitor a variety of health conditions.
At Howard County Animal Hospital, we offer advanced ultrasound services for dogs and cats. Our experienced veterinary team provides:
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Abdominal ultrasounds – Evaluating organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, intestines, and bladder.
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Thoracic (chest) ultrasounds – Examining the heart, lungs, and surrounding structures.
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Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and biopsies – For minimally invasive tissue sampling and accurate diagnoses.
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​Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, our veterinarians perform in-house ultrasound scans, with images interpreted by our trusted board-certified radiologist for expert insights. Results are available the same or next day, ensuring faster diagnosis and treatment for your pet.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, give us a call at 410-465-0639 or request an appointment.
Ultrasound Guided Mass Sampling: See the white (hyperechoic) needle safely and accurately attaining an intestinal mass aspirate above allowing for a precise lymphoma diagnosis in one of our feline patients.
Our Services
Chronic Disease Management
Why Your Pet May Need an Ultrasound
Veterinarians recommend ultrasound imaging for pets for a variety of medical reasons. This non-invasive, pain-free procedure helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the internal organs. Common reasons for a pet ultrasound include:
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Fluid buildup in the abdomen – Detecting internal bleeding, hypertensive-induced ascites (fluid abdomen), potential infections, and more
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Abnormal blood work – Investigating underlying organ dysfunction
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Tumor Suspicion - Either on physical exam or radiographs (x-rays)
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Unexplained weight loss – Identifying metabolic issues, tumors, or digestive problems
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Urogenital problems – Evaluating kidney, bladder, or reproductive health
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Pregnancy monitoring – Confirming and assessing fetal development
​How Ultrasounds Help Diagnose Health Issues
​Ultrasound technology allows veterinarians to examine the size, shape, and texture of internal organs to determine if a condition, disease, or abnormality is present. It also plays a crucial role in performing ultrasound-guided biopsies, providing a minimally invasive way to obtain tissue samples for further testing.
In many cases, a pet ultrasound is performed after an X-ray to provide a clearer and more detailed diagnosis, ensuring your pet receives the most accurate treatment plan possible.​
Dr. Parker preparing to perform a "Trucut" liver biopsy on a mass to determine if it's benign or cancerous. The patient is under sedation and monitored by our team throughout the procedure. We then keep the patient for several hours to ensure no excessive bleeding occurs.
A cat with free abdominal fluid, all the black (anechoic) surrounding a kidney, secondary to FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). Samples were safely acquired and sent to the lab for diagnosis.
Advantages to Ultrasound
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​Non-invasive: Ultrasound doesn’t require surgery or penetration of the body, making it a safe option for examining internal organs.
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Painless: The procedure is painless and we can reduce stress with light sedation.
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No radiation: Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds do not use radiation, making them a safer option, especially for pregnant animals or repeated use.
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Real-time imaging: Ultrasound provides real-time images of the internal organs, allowing veterinarians to see movements, such as blood flow, fetal development, or GI foreign bodies as they happen.
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Soft tissue visualization: Ultrasound is particularly useful for examining soft tissues like the liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart, which may not be as clearly seen on X-rays.
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Guided procedures: Ultrasound can be used to guide certain procedures, such as needle biopsies and aspirates, ensuring more accurate and less invasive sampling.
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Quick results: The images are generated instantly, and can be sent to our board-certified radiologist for interpretation.
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Minimal preparation: In many cases, minimal preparation is needed for the pet, apart from shaving the area for better contact, making the process safe and quick for both the animal and the veterinarian.
Come, sit, heal.
Whether your pet is in need of routine care or emergency surgery we got you covered. Howard County Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary clinic offering a range of veterinary care to the pets of Ellicott City, Columbia, Baltimore, Catonsville, Elkridge, Pikesville, Woodlawn, Randallstown, Towson and the surrounding areas located just off of route 40 outside of the 695 beltway.