At Cascade Heights Veterinary Center, we believe advanced diagnostics should be convenient and accessible for both you and your pet. That’s why we partner with trusted board-certified specialists who visit our hospital on a regular basis, allowing many pets to receive advanced imaging without the added stress of traveling to a specialty hospital.
Ultrasound Services: We are proud to work with Dr. Steve Pokorny, a board-certified veterinary radiologist with Northwest Veterinary Imaging, who performs abdominal and other diagnostic ultrasounds at our hospital every week. Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging tool that allows us to evaluate internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and more, helping us diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions quickly and accurately.
Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound): For pets with heart murmurs, suspected heart disease, or other cardiac concerns, we offer echocardiograms every three weeks with Dr. Jerry Woodfield of Northwest Cardiology. An echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed information about heart structure and function, helping us diagnose heart disease, determine the severity of cardiac conditions, and develop the most appropriate treatment plan. Most pets do not require sedation for this procedure.
By bringing these specialists directly to Cascade Heights, we’re able to provide advanced, specialty-level care in the familiar environment of your pet’s primary veterinary hospital, ensuring seamless communication between our team and your pet’s specialists for the highest level of care.
Request an AppointmentFAQ
Why does my pet need an ultrasound?
Ultrasound allows us to look at your pet’s internal organs in real time without surgery. It is commonly recommended to investigate vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, abnormal blood work, urinary problems, abdominal masses, or changes seen on X-rays. It provides valuable information about the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and other abdominal organs.
Will my pet need to be sedated for an ultrasound?
Most pets do not require sedation for an ultrasound. The procedure is painless and well tolerated by the majority of dogs and cats. If your pet is very anxious, painful, or unable to remain still, we may recommend light sedation to ensure the highest quality images while keeping them comfortable.
Who performs my pet’s ultrasound?
At Cascade Heights Veterinary Center, abdominal ultrasounds are performed by Dr. Steve Pokorny, a board-certified veterinary radiologist with Northwest Veterinary Imaging. Dr. Pokorny’s advanced training allows him to identify subtle abnormalities and provide a detailed report that helps our doctors develop the best treatment plan for your pet.
What is an echocardiogram, and why might my pet need one?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that allows us to evaluate its structure and function. We commonly recommend this test for pets with heart murmurs, abnormal heart rhythms, coughing, fainting episodes, breathing difficulties, or suspected heart disease. It helps us determine whether treatment is needed and how to best monitor your pet over time.
Does my pet need anesthesia or sedation for an echocardiogram?
In most cases, no. Echocardiograms are non-invasive and painless, and most dogs and cats tolerate the procedure very well while awake. Sedation is only recommended in uncommon situations where a pet is extremely anxious or unable to remain still.
Who performs echocardiograms at Cascade Heights?
Echocardiograms are performed every three weeks by Dr. Jerry Woodfield of Northwest Cardiology, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. Dr. Woodfield provides a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s heart and works closely with our doctors to diagnose heart disease, recommend treatment when needed, and develop a personalized monitoring plan.