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Frequently Asked Questions

Ultrasound | Endoscopy

What is Minimally Invasive Medicine?

MIM (Minimally Invasive Medicine) is a relatively new discipline in Veterinary care that includes minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and minimally invasive diagnostics (MID). Both MID and MIS make use of a variety of new technologies such as ultrasound, which uses sound waves to image internal structures of the body, and endoscopy, the use of rigid and flexible telescopes inserted into natural openings in the body for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These new technologies result in a faster, more accurate diagnosis, less stress and less discomfort for patients. MIM is not "alternative medicine". It is not similar to homeopathy, acupressure, naturopathy, etc.

The goal of minimally invasive medicine is to reduce the tissue trauma and body's response to the injury of traditional medicine and surgery. The end result is happier pets and happier pet owners.

One example of the advantages of MIM is the common problem of swallowed foreign objects in dogs and cats. Traditional technique requires surgery to open the stomach and remove the object. With MIM technique, the object is removed with an endoscope passed through the mouth and into the stomach to locate and remove the object. Instead of surgery and several days spent in the hospital recovering, this patient is home the same day, ready to eat and play, completely recovered without pain and without the risks of infection and bleeding from surgery.

Do I need special instructions for appointments for abdominal ultrasound?
Do I need special instructions for an endoscopy procedure?

Yes. You should receive complete instructions from your veterinarian, verbally or in writing, prior to the appointment and upon the release of your pet from the hospital.

Do I need special instruction if my pet has diabetes or other medical conditions?

Yes. Please call your veterinarian for instructions.

Who do I talk to if I have questions before or after the exam?

If you have any questions about the procedure you should talk to your veterinarian. If there are questions specifically about endoscopy or technical aspects of the procedure that your veterinarian cannot answer, we will be happy to answer those questions for you.

What are your hours?

Routine ultrasound exams and endoscopy procedures are performed Mon -Fri, 10am -5pm. Emergency ultrasound and endoscopy is available outside of these hours.

What are the fees?

The cost varies, depending on the services your pet needs, the length of stay and other medical concerns, such as appropriate tests or medication. You should receive an estimate for the procedure from your veterinarian before the procedure is done.

Will I have to make a separate payment to PetSounds?

No. Our fees will be included on the bill you receive from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will pay us directly.

How do I schedule an appointment?

PetSounds comes to your veterinarian's office to perform endoscopies and ultrasound exams. Your veterinarian can call us to schedule an appointment for your pet.