Ultrasound images allow for three dimensional evaluation of the urinary bladder and abdominal organs (liver, spleen, kidneys). It also allows more accurate biopsies of those organs if required. Dr. Rick Lyons had one of the first privately owned ultrasound machines in the area and has been providing ultrasound service for over 20 years. Ultrasound easily visualizes bladder stones or tumors, renal cysts, liver disease, gall stones, adrenal tumors, splenic masses, pancreatitis, and, of course, pregnancy. Our current ultrasound machine also provides color flow Doppler and m-mode technology, which is necessary for measurement of the heart wall and valves and evaluation of muscle contractility. These measurements are critical in cardiac disease diagnosis and treatment.

Endoscopy

At Zionsville Country Veterinary Clinic, our video endoscope allows us to view the inside of certain organs. A video chip on the end of a flexible light source enables us to see the lining of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, trachea, and bronchi. With the endoscope, the doctor can take tissue samples or retrieve objects that shouldn’t be there, such as that rubber ball Fluffy accidentally swallowed! And although there are some situations where surgery is still the best option (especially ones where multiple organs are involved), endoscopy can be a useful alternative to surgery.