Frequently Asked Questions
How do we book an ultrasound?
Veterinary clinic staff can schedule an ultrasound exam on the ‘book an appointment’ page. A requisition will be emailed, and must be completed and sent to info@vetsonix.ca prior to the appointment date.
Available weekdays: 9-4pm
Monday - based out of Alta Vista Animal Hospital
Tuesday - mobile
Wednesday - based out of Ottawa Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital
Thursday - mobile
Afterhours: F, Sa, Su
For after-hours please text, or email: info@vetsonix.ca
What is the cost of an ultrasound?
Veterinary clinic staff may email info@vetsonix.ca to request a ‘Fee Guide’.
How long does it take to perform an ultrasound?
Most exams are completed within an hour. For complete abdominal ultrasounds, a thorough examination will take 30-60 minutes. Set up, documentation and clean up may take an additional 30-45 minutes.
What preparation is necessary for an ultrasound?
Ultrasound can not see through gas or air. Fasting patients significantly reduces the amount of gas within the intestinal tract and helps to improve overall quality of the examination. For further information, please refer to the ‘Patient Preparation’ in the ‘Services’ section.
Do the pets need to be shaved?
Hair and fur on pets significantly reduces the ultrasound image quality and limits the amount of diagnostic information that can be obtained from an ultrasound, similar to holding a piece of tissue paper over a photograph. To provide the best quality scan, and facilitate time management, please have the patient clipped prior to my arrival. For further directions, please refer to the ‘Shaving Instructions’ in the ‘Services’ section, or contact info@vetsonix.ca.
Is there a travel fee associated with mobile ultrasound services?
VetSonix is based in Ottawa, ON. Travel fees are included in the exam fee for clinics within 50kms from Ottawa. Clinics greater than 50kms distance, please refer to the ‘Fee Guide’ for mileage fees.
Where will the exams be performed?
VetSonix is a mobile service, meaning the ultrasound equipment is transported to general practicing veterinary clinics to perform the ultrasound examination.
How far in advance are the appointments scheduled?
Exams can be booked same-day depending on availability, or a few weeks in advance. Please contact info@vetsonix.ca to make an appointment.
How long does it take to receive a report?
VetSonix will provide a same-day technical report following the ultrasound exam. The diagnostic report will be provided by a board-certified radiologist, typically within 24-48 hours. STAT and weekend reports are also available.
Will the animals need sedation?
Oral anti-anxiety medications are recommended prior to the ultrasound examination to help the animals relax. Anxious pets often pant, become agitated and tense their abdomens, all of which diminish the quality of the imaging and increases the length of time required to perform the examination. Further sedation may be required if imaging is suboptimal due to patient movement and agitation, excessive panting and/or tense abdomen. If sedation is warranted, please ensure client consent.
Please email info@vetsonix.ca for anti-anxiety and sedation recommendations.
Will the animals need analgesia?
Please ensure appropriate pain relief for patients with conditions causing painful abdomens, or discomfort in the region of interest.
What is the advantage of using VetSonix Diagnostic Imaging
Ultrasound is a highly technical, user-dependent modality. The quality of the images obtained, and accuracy of diagnostic results depends on the experience and knowledge of the sonographer. Dr Ibey (owner/operator of VetSonix DI) has extensive training in the field of diagnostic medical sonography, and has attained valuable experience working alongside experienced sonographers and radiologists in both the medical and veterinary field.
What is the difference between a Technical report and a Diagnostic report?
A Technical report is a preliminary report which includes a description of the ultrasound findings and what is seen during the examination, such as the size, shape, margination, echogenicity, echotexture, and location of normal and abnormal organs/tissues. VetSonix Diagnostic Imaging will provide a same-day technical report.
A Diagnostic report is a final report which includes interpretation of the sonographic findings, differential diagnoses and recommendations. A diagnostic report will be sent electronically from a Teleradiology service to your clinic within 1-2 business days.
What is the advantage of Teleradiology?
Interpretation of ultrasound images can be complicated by artifacts, complex or subtle pathological changes and/or congenital anomalies. Veterinary radiologists receive advanced training in interpretation of Ultrasonography, X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT Scans), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Nuclear Medicine. During a 4 year residency, radiologists develop innate experience, including precision and accountable diagnostic radiological interpretation.
Images and CINEs (video clips) from the ultrasound exam will be sent to Teleradiology for interpretation, and a diagnostic report will be sent electronically to your clinic within 1-2 business days.
Can we book emergency or after-hours ultrasound exams?
Yes; Ultrasound examinations on an emergency basis, or outside of the hours of operation (M-F, 9-4pm) are available. Please note an additional fee will apply — refer to the ‘Fee Schedule’.
What is the cancellation policy?
Time is valuable, just as are timely examinations for sick fur babies. If your client needs to cancel or reschedule, please provide a minimum of 36-48 hours notice.
Cancellations within 1 day will be charged a 50% service fee.
Same-day cancellations or missed appointments will be charged the full service fee.
Are veterinary staff required to assist with the exam?
Please ensure 1-2 veterinary technicians or veterinary assistants are available to assist with gentle control and monitoring the patient throughout the entire ultrasound examination.
What practices does VDI use for machine and equipment maintenance?
High-level disinfectant wipes (Prevail) are used on the ultrasound probes, machine, troughs and all contact surfaces.
The ultrasound machine is assessed daily by Dr. Ibey, and serviced by GE healthcare when maintenance is required
Ultrasound images are stored on telemedicine sites (DVMInsight, Antech Imaging Services, IDEXX) and a cloud system.
