Services

VIDI Veterinary Services is dedicated to providing comprehensive abdominal (including pregnancy diagnosis), thoracic (non-cardiac), musculoskeletal, soft tissue, and ocular ultrasound studies for small animals that are interpreted by Dr. Burke.

Focal or follow-up examinations can also be ordered for a reduced fee if evaluation of only one organ system is needed, or if serial follow-up examinations are required within 2 months of the original exam.

We also perform routine echocardiograms that are interpreted by the cardiologists at IDEXX Telemedicine.

Fine needle aspirates and biopsies are available as needed, as well as fluid collection (thoraco-/percardio-/abdominocentesis), to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities identified in the ultrasound exams.

Determining which study is required is based on the patient’s history, the veterinarian’s examination, and prior diagnostics. Please contact us if you wish to discuss the case and we’d be happy to collaborate with you to develop a diagnostic plan best suited for your patient.

Small animal ultrasound - Bile duct obstruction
Left apical cardiac ultrasound of a small animal

Study Descriptions

Abdomen
Focus:  In-depth examination of all the major abdominal organs including: the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, reproductive tract, adrenal glands, major vessels, lymph nodes, mesentery, and peritoneal space.

Indications:  There are many indications for an abdominal study, some of which include: serum biochemistry and/or CBC abnormalities indicative of disease of the abdominal organs, urinalysis abnormalities, suspected abdominal masses, suspected peritoneal effusion, vomiting, diarrhea, suspected GI foreign bodies, suspected reproductive disease (ex. pyometra), pregnancy evaluation, and many more.

Thorax (non-cardiac)
Focus:  Evaluation of the peripheral lung margins, pleural space, and mediastinum.

Indications:  Suspected thoracic or mediastinal masses, suspected pleural fluid, pleural and pulmonary disease, pneumothorax, to differentiate cardiac vs. non-cardiac disease, and to assess diaphragmatic integrity.

** Please note:  A thoracic ultrasound study is maximized when performed in conjunction with thoracic radiographs. **

Musculoskeletal/Soft Tissue
Focus:  Evaluation of the soft tissue and osseous structures of a specific region of interest, including the contralateral side for comparison when evaluating paired structures (i.e. joints, tendons, glands, lymph nodes, etc.).

Indications:  evaluating/sampling of soft tissue or osseous masses, further evaluation of joint abnormalities identified on radiographs, assessing tendonitis/desmitis, evaluating for cellulitis/edema, abscesses, foreign bodies, thyroid/parathyroid glands, lymph nodes, and vascular/nervous structures.

Ocular
Focus:  Evaluation of the retro bulbar space, optic nerve/disc, cornea, and interior of the eye, including: the anterior, posterior, and vitreous chambers, lens, iris, ciliary body, and retina.

Indications:  Suspected intraocular or retro bulbar masses, foreign bodies, optic neuropathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract evaluation, lens dislocation/luxation, and many more.

** Please note:  Although an ocular ultrasound may be very informative, it should not be considered in isolation. We recommend a thorough and careful visual examination of the eye with referral to an ophthalmologist when needed for a complete work-up and diagnostics. **

Cardiac
Focus:  Evaluation of the pericardium and muscular, valvular, and vascular structures of the heart and proximal great vessels.

Indications:  There are multiple indications for echocardiography including, developmental or congenital heart diseases, hypertension, stenosis, masses, pericardial effusion, and many more.

** Echocardiograms performed by VIDI Veterinary Services Ltd. are of limited scope; therefore, it is recommended that the patient see a veterinary cardiologist for complete evaluation, especially when congenital disease is suspected. **

Fine Needle Aspiration/Biopsy
Focus:  Acquiring mass, organ, tissue, or fluid samples for cytology, histopathology, fluid analysis, or culture (sampling equipment to be provided by the requesting veterinary clinic).

Indications:  Masses, abnormal organ or tissue architecture or echogenicity, fluid accumulations, etc.

Double Region/Cavity Exam
Evaluation of two separate body regions (e.g. abdomen and thorax [non-cardiac]) for diffuse disease processes or if multiple diseases are suspected and require examination.