How to prepare an animal for ultrasound and echocardiography

In order for the doctor to obtain the most accurate results, it is important to prepare your pet properly. This is not just a formality — food residues or gas in the stomach and intestines can obscure organs, distort images, and complicate diagnosis. Therefore, proper preparation is the key to reliable results and, consequently, an accurate diagnosis.

Please follow a few simple rules. When registering

1. List all planned studies — this helps to plan the schedule and prepare the equipment.

2. If your pet is being monitored by a cardiologist, immediately schedule an echocardiogram with a cardiologist.

3. For kennel certification or a conclusion in English, you also need an appointment with a cardiologist.

PREPARATION FOR ULTRASOUND

Abdominal ultrasound

🟩 The animal must have been fasting for 10–12 hours.

🟩 For examination of the gastrointestinal tract — at least 12 hours.

🟩 Water may be provided.

Exceptions:

🟩 Puppies and kittens up to 4 months old, ferrets — hunger 4–6 hours.

🟩 Puppies of small breeds up to 6 months old — 6 hours

Other animal species

🟩 Snakes: do not feed for 3–5 days before an ultrasound or blood tests (so that food does not interfere in the stomach).

🟩 Rats and  turtles: no fasting, normal feeding is possible.

🟩  Guinea pigs and 🐰 rabbits: after 12 hours, leave only hay, remove grain and wet feed. Water is allowed.

According to international standards ACVR & ECVDI (2022), the optimal fasting period before gastrointestinal ultrasound in dogs and cats is 8–12 hours.

ECHO KG (ECHO of the heart / ultrasound of the heart)

🟩 No special training is required.

🟩 If your pet is taking cardiac medication, do not stop giving it without consulting your doctor.

🟩 If an abdominal ultrasound is also scheduled for that day, do not feed your child before the examination.

Ultrasound of the mammary glands or neck

🟩 You don't need to starve yourself.

🟩If the test is performed after surgery or to monitor inflammation, bring your previous results with you.

 IF SEVERAL PROCEDURES ARE PERFORMED ON THE SAME DAY

🟩 If you are expecting a consultation, appointment, or treatment adjustment, please inform the administrator when making your appointment.

ADDITIONALLY

🟩 Some patients may require light sedation — this is safe and helps to conduct the examination without stress.

🟩 To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor analyzes all projections, which is why the examination can take up to an hour.