Harmony Animal Hospital offers both abdominal and cardiac (heart) ultrasound services. Ultrasound is a non-invasive modern technique that produces a visual imprint of the interior of the body. Unlike conventional radiographs (x-rays) which can cause harm if used excessively, recent evidence shows that ultrasound is completely free from these side-effects. In addition, ultrasound allows the doctor to achieve a depth of detail that is not possible with radiographs.
Our medical staff is well trained in the field of ultrasound. Harmony Animal Hospital has invested heavily in both ultrasound equipment as well as in continuing education.
Ultrasound Machine
Cardiac Ultrasound
The heart is a very complex organ. It has four valves, an electrical conduction system, and four chambers, all of which are crucial to its function. As in people, animals suffer from a wide variety of heart diseases. In order to correctly diagnose and treat these diseases, it is necessary to see inside the heart, visualize the movement of the chambers, and to look at the valves in motion. This is the area where ultrasound predominates. Using ultrasound, it is possible to watch the heart in motion and to measure each of its' parts. Ultrasound also allows the doctor or technician to measure the actual physical effects of various heart medications and to carefully adjust dosages.
Most heart diseases are very treatable, and in most cases, animals can live normal lives once the nature of their condition is under control.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound allows the user to fully examine the liver, gallbladder, spleen, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, and parts of the stomach and intestines. Ultrasound examination of these organs is crucial when a diagnosis depends upon seeing inside an organ, or when surgery or anesthesia would not be desirable. Abdominal ultrasound is completely painless, and generally can be performed using no anesthesia or sedation. Abdominal ultrasound has revolutionized the study of liver diseases, and is crucial to treating many types of cancer.
Urinary Bladder Tumor
Telemedicine
In veterinary medicine, like in human medicine, there are specialists in virtually every field. Oncology specialists can consult about difficult cancer cases, ophthalmology specialists can help manage complex cases of eye disease, and critical care specialists are available to help with emergency patients. Unfortunately, these specialists are often not available locally, or at the time of day when needed. Imagine a time when your veterinarian can instantly send images of X-rays, ultrasounds, endoscopy pictures, microscope pictures of cells, etc. anywhere in the world... instantly. This is the magic of telemedicine; and it is literally revolutionizing how animals are treated. With a special machine, our doctors have instant access to the best specialists in the world, and can get virtually instant assistance with demanding cases. Using our advanced telemedicine module it is possible for our staff to actually improve the quality of these images to enhance detail, and to perform many other manipulations that improve the image and greatly enhance the likelihood of a correct diagnosis. Telemedicine really is the best of cutting-edge medicine for your pet.
