What Is an Outpatient Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a non-invasive tool that allows veterinarians to evaluate a pet’s internal organs and conditions in real time, without requiring pets to stay overnight. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed images of your pet’s internal structures. This helps veterinarians assess concerns related to abdominal issues, masses, or fluid buildup.

Because we offer ultrasounds on an outpatient basis, your pet will not need to stay at our hospital overnight in order to receive an ultrasound.

When Is an Ultrasound Recommended?

Your primary care veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound if your pet is experiencing:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Changes in appetite
• Suspected masses or internal abnormalities

Our team will work closely with your primary care veterinarian to provide timely imaging and support the next steps in your pet’s care.

 How do I Schedule an Appointment?

Your primary veterinarian (the doctor who sees your pet for check-ups and wellness exams) must call us to make the appointment for you. At this time we cannot schedule outpatient pet ultrasounds in Omaha directly with clients.

Which Urgent Pet Care Location Offers Outpatient Ultrasounds?

Outpatient ultrasound appointments are available at both our Papillion and Millard locations. Times will vary based on our employee availability.

What to Expect

Most ultrasounds are performed without sedation, and your pet will be monitored closely throughout the procedure. Sedation may be required depending on the individual patient.

With an outpatient ultrasound, your pet may need to be dropped off at Urgent Pet Care and picked up at a later time, depending on our caseload and the number of emergencies that are present at our clinic. Unless the findings of the ultrasound indicate a life-threatening emergency, your pet will be able to return home the same day.

After the exam, we’ll communicate findings to your primary veterinarian, who will communicate the findings and next steps with you. We will not contact you about the findings unless they reveal a critical or life-threatening emergency and we cannot reach your primary care veterinarian in a timely manner. 

My Pet is Not Experiencing a Health Emergency. Can I Still Make an Appointment?

Your pet does not need to be experiencing a life-threatening emergency to schedule an ultrasound. If your pet has concerning symptoms and an ultrasound may help with diagnosis, please call your primary care veterinarian and request an outpatient ultrasound referral to Urgent Pet Care. 

We will not assume the care of a patient unless the findings of the ultrasound reveal a critical or life-threatening emergency. If findings of your pet’s ultrasound in Omaha reveal an emergency, we may contact clients directly to discuss findings and recommend in-patient care.