How do patients prepare for an ultrasound?
Preparation for ultrasound is minimal. Generally, if internal organs such as the liver or urinary bladder are to be examined, patients are requested to have been off food with the exception of water for 8 – 12 hours before the examination. This is because food may cause gas build-up within and sometimes outside of the intestines. Internal structures cannot be visualized if too much gas is present. Also, some animals may require mild sedation for increased comfort during the procedure and thus may need to be off food. Most, but not all animals will have their abdominal area shaved in order to have optimal contact between the ultrasound probe and the skin.
