What To Expect (Vets)
Schedule An Appointment
Complete our online form to Request an Appointment. You can also make a request by email, call or text. You will receive a response at our earliest convenience. Scanning days are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with an arrival window between 9:00am and 2:00pm and a call when in route. A reminder email will be sent a couple of days prior to your appointment outlining important preparation details and narrowing down the estimated time of arrival.
See our handout below for additional information on how an remote-assisted echocardiogram with Franimal's works.
**Stacking multiple cases per appointment is highly encouraged! Please let us know if you plan to add a case.**
Cancellation Policy
We request at least 2 business day's notice (per case / per instance) in order to avoid a fee. Contact Us to request access to our Menu of Services to review our cancellation policy.
Technical Assistance
Franimal's requests a quiet, dimly lit space to perform each scan and a helpful staff member to help gently position, restrain and comfort each patient.
Fear Free approaches will be implemented for every case.
Sedation and Anesthesia
To ensure the highest quality imaging and prioritize the comfort of each patient, pre-visit medications and procedural sedation are required for every ultrasound study. This two-part 'chill protocol,' consisting of medications the night before and the morning of the procedure, is essential regardless of temperament.
During the study, we use minimum effective procedural sedation to allow the pet to remain fully relaxed, which enhances both the diagnostic yield and the patient’s overall experience.
At Franimal's Solutions, our commitment to Fear Free techniques means we do not tolerate force or restraint beyond what’s necessary for a comfortable, safe procedure. If these standards cannot be met, we reserve the right to withdraw our services, with associated fees applied.
Payment
Invoices are sent weekly with payment due upon receipt. Each invoice is accompanied by an easy-to-use payment link if you would like to use your credit or debit card. Franimal's Solutions also accepts company checks.
What To Expect (Pet Parents)
Setting Up An Appointment
Your primary veterinarian will contact us to set up an appointment. Please contact your veterinarian directly for updated protocols, procedures and an estimate for services.
Prior to Appointment
The patient must be fasted overnight (water is always allowed). Food and gas can make imaging organs and structures challenging. You may give a small amount of food in the morning to deliver medications as prescribed. IF your pet has an illness in which an overnight fast would not be recommended (such as Diabetes Mellitus), please ask your primary veterinarian how to proceed safely.
Additional medications for anxiety will likely be required to complete the scan.
Exam Process
The ultrasound image capture will be performed by a highly trained, experienced and credentialed veterinary technician. Your pet will be shaved in the areas necessary for the scan requested. Your pet will then be handled using Fear Free/Low Stress techniques to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety and stress as much as possible. Witch hazel and transmission gel will be used on the skin during the exam which helps to optimize the images for the highest possible quality. Once the scan is complete, the images are submitted to be interpreted by a board certified veterinary specialist and the results are sent to your veterinarian.
Payment
You will pay your veterinary clinic for services rendered according to their standard operating procedures.
How To Prepare...
For Referring Veterinarians:
1.) Use the Request Appointment tab to complete our online form. Someone will contact you to help with scheduling.
Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals (PVPs) may be prescribed at this time in preparation.
2.) Upon admission of the patient, our Ultrasound Waiver should be signed by the pet owner which will be collected prior to performing the scan.
3.) Pet owners are strongly encouraged to drop off their pet and return once the procedure is over. Delays can happen and arrival times will vary.
4.) Patient must be fasted (no food past midnight unless contraindicated). Water is always fine as well as a small amount of food for delivery of medications if needed.
5.) In addition to PVPs, mild Procedural Sedation is often necessary to complete the scan. The greatest diagnostic yield will come when the patient is completely relaxed. If sedation has been declined and we are unable to complete the scan as a result, the scan will be cancelled and a non-refundable fee applied per patient and per instance.
6.) We request an assistant/technician be available to help gently position, restrain and comfort the patient for their scan.
Fear Free approaches will be implemented for every case.
7.) Ideally, examination should be performed in a dimly lit, quiet room with enough space for the patient and ultrasound machine.
