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Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of your pet’s internal organs. A veterinary technician gently moves a small probe over your pet’s skin (with a little gel for comfort and clear images). This helps us see organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and intestines—checking for size, shape, and any abnormalities.
Ultrasound is safe (no radiation), quick, and often used alongside other tests for a thorough health assessment.
Yes!
Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive procedure that does not use radiation. It’s comfortable for most pets, especially with Fear Free handling and appropriate sedation.
Ultrasound can help evaluate organ health, detect tumors, cysts, stones, inflammation, fluid buildup, and many other internal issues. It’s often used to investigate symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, abnormal bloodwork, or suspected heart problems.
Generally, pets should be fasted overnight (no food after midnight, water is okay). Most pets need pre-visit anxiety medication & sedation for comfort and image quality.
If your pet has special medical needs (like diabetes), ask your vet for tailored fasting instructions.
Most pets do not need full anesthesia, but mild sedation is recommended to keep them calm and still. This ensures better images and a less stressful experience.
A “CHILL” protocol (or pre-visit pharmaceuticals, PVPs) means giving your pet medication before their appointment to help them relax and reduce anxiety.
These meds can include sedatives, anti-anxiety meds, or other calming agents, always prescribed by your vet based on your pet’s needs.
The right protocol makes the visit smoother and less stressful for everyone.
Procedural sedation means giving pets medication during their visit to help them stay calm and comfortable for exams or imaging.
This minimizes anxiety, pain, and movement—making procedures safer and more effective. Sedation is always tailored to your pet’s health and supervised by veterinary professionals.
Fear Free practices are techniques and approaches that reduce fear, anxiety, and stress for pets during veterinary visits.
This includes gentle handling, calming environments, positive reinforcement (like treats and praise), pre-visit prep, and using sedation or medication as needed.
The goal: a more comfortable, positive experience for pets and owners—and better health outcomes all around.
We specialize in Fear Free and Low Stress techniques, and work closely with your vet to use pre-visit medications and gentle handling.
!Your pet’s comfort and emotional well-being are always our top priorities!
We usually ask pet owners to drop off their pets for ultrasound exams.
Here’s why:
If you have concerns, please talk with your vet team—we’re here to support you and your pet!
The ultrasound scan itself usually takes 30–45 minutes, but the total appointment time may be longer depending on the patient’s needs, sedation, and clinic schedule.
Your vet will let you know when your pet will be ready to go home.
After the scan, images are sent to a board-certified specialist for interpretation.
Your veterinarian typically receives a detailed report within 1–3 business days. Your clinic will follow up with you to discuss the findings and next steps.
A licensed, Fear Free Certified veterinary technician performs the scan at your clinic. The images are then reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified veterinary specialist (internist or cardiologist), who prepares the official report for your veterinarian.
A veterinary technician (in Tennessee, a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician or LVMT) is a trained professional who assists veterinarians with medical care, diagnostics, surgeries, and patient support.
They complete accredited programs, pass national exams, and are skilled in everything from lab work and imaging to anesthesia and patient care.
Vet techs are vital members of your pet’s healthcare team!
A board-certified veterinary internist is a veterinarian with advanced training in diagnosing and treating diseases of internal organs (like the stomach, liver, kidneys, and more).
After veterinary school, they complete internships and a multi-year residency, then pass a rigorous certification exam. Internists are experts in complex cases and work closely with your regular vet to provide specialized care.
A board-certified veterinary cardiologist is a veterinarian who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in animals.
They undergo extra training (internships, residencies) and pass a tough exam to become certified. Cardiologists handle advanced heart diagnostics, treatments, and collaborate with your vet for the best cardiac care.
Many general practice veterinarians do not have advanced ultrasound training or equipment. Franimal’s Solutions brings specialized imaging and expert interpretation directly to your clinic, so your pet benefits from advanced diagnostics without traveling to a specialty hospital.
Witch hazel is a gentle, natural alternative to alcohol for prepping your pet’s skin before ultrasound.
Always check with your vet before using new products, especially if your pet has skin conditions.
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