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Diagnostic Imaging

Pet ultrasound near me: gentle, detailed imaging for dogs and cats.

A pet ultrasound uses harmless sound waves to show your pet's organs in real time, helping find the cause of vomiting, belly pain, heart concerns, and abnormal bloodwork. At Encino Pet Hospital & Emergency, ultrasound studies are read by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, and most pets need no anesthesia.

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Radiologist
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Jump toWhat We ScanCommon ReasonsPreparing Your PetCost & TravelFAQ
What We Scan

What a dog or cat ultrasound can show.

Ultrasound looks at the texture, size, and shape of soft organs, something X-rays can only hint at. It is painless, uses no radiation, and your veterinarian can watch the images live during the visit.

  • ✓Abdominal ultrasound: liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, intestines, pancreas, bladder, and lymph nodes
  • ✓Thoracic ultrasound: fluid around the lungs or heart, and masses in the chest
  • ✓Echocardiogram: heart chambers, walls, and valves, with Doppler to measure blood flow
  • ✓Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate: a small sample from an organ or lump using a very thin needle

Every study is reviewed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, so you get an expert second look along with your veterinarian's findings. Ultrasound often pairs with digital X-rays and lab work for the fullest picture.

Common Reasons

When your vet may recommend a pet ultrasound.

Ultrasound is often the next step when a pet feels unwell and bloodwork or X-rays point to a problem inside the belly or chest.

It is one of the most useful tools for kidney disease, showing kidney size, structure, stones, or blockages. For pancreatitis, it can reveal an inflamed pancreas and changes around it. It also helps explain persistent vomiting or diarrhea, unexplained lethargy, weight loss, a new heart murmur, or a lump found during a senior wellness visit.

Some signs should not wait for a scheduled scan. Call us right away if your pet has repeated vomiting, a swollen or painful belly, pale gums, collapse, or labored breathing. We see same-day urgent cases and walk-ins during open hours. If it's after 7:30 PM and your pet can't wait until morning, head to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.

Preparing Your Pet

How to prepare, and what happens during the scan.

For an abdominal ultrasound, we usually ask that your pet fast beforehand, since food and gas in the stomach can block the view. We'll give you exact instructions, including whether water is okay, when you book.

A small patch of fur is shaved over the area being scanned so the probe makes good contact. Your pet rests on a padded table while our team gently holds them, and warm gel is applied. The scan itself is quiet and painless.

Most pets need no anesthesia at all. Some anxious or wiggly pets do better with light sedation, and if an aspirate is planned, sedation can keep them comfortable and still. We'll always explain what your pet needs before we start.

Cost & Travel

Dog ultrasound cost and planning your visit.

A pet ultrasound at Encino Pet Hospital & Emergency is $975. That price includes the specialist’s assessment and written report, not just the scan. Sedation, sampling, or additional studies can change the total. After an exam and assessment, we'll go over the plan and costs with you before the scan.

Coming from farther away?

We care for pets from Encino and the wider San Fernando Valley, and plenty of families make the drive from Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Ventura. A quick call before you leave lets us confirm fasting, look over past lab results or images, and reserve time for the scan. Free parking is waiting behind the building on Ventura Blvd.

Common Questions

Pet ultrasound FAQ.

How much does a dog ultrasound cost?
A pet ultrasound is $975, which includes the specialist’s assessment and written report. Sedation or a fine needle aspirate can add to the total. After an exam and assessment, we'll walk you through the plan and costs before the scan.
Does my pet need to be sedated for an ultrasound?
Usually not. Most dogs and cats lie calmly for an ultrasound, but some pets do better with light sedation, especially if a sample is being collected. We'll explain what your pet needs before we begin.
Should my pet fast before an ultrasound?
For an abdominal ultrasound, fasting is usually recommended because food and gas can hide the organs. We'll give you exact fasting instructions when you book. Heart and chest scans often need less preparation.
Who reads my pet's ultrasound?
Ultrasound studies at Encino Pet Hospital and Emergency are read by a board-certified veterinary radiologist. Your veterinarian then reviews the findings with you and explains the next steps.
What is the difference between an ultrasound and an X-ray?
An X-ray gives a still picture that is great for bones, the chest, and overall organ size. An ultrasound shows the inside of soft organs in real time, including texture, blood flow, and small changes X-rays can miss. The two often work together.

Looking for a pet ultrasound near you?

Call or book online and we'll get your pet scheduled, with same-day care for urgent cases during open hours.

Book a visit(818) 922-2209