A happy and relaxed patient is really important when it comes to ultrasound examinations!
We want the patient to be still enough for the veterinary surgeon to be able to scan successfully and be able to interpret the images that are obtained. We also want the patient to feel relaxed so they do not have a negative experience at the practice.
To start with, don’t rush. The patient will be nervous and confused, they don’t understand that they are there for an ultrasound scan!
I always use gentle handling techniques and take my time with all patients but especially nervous or timid animals, the last thing we want to do is frighten them before we even begin.
The majority of patients will tolerate a small patch of fur being clipped over the cephalic vein and EMLA cream being applied. We use a piece of cut up examination glove or plastic syringe wrapper, to prevent the cream from absorbing into the bandage, then a piece of vetwrap applied for 30-45 minutes prior to placing an intravenous cannula. The difference this makes to both the patient and us really is significant. There is no or minimal pain felt when the cannula is advanced through the skin, therefore making the experience stress free for the patient and a smooth, easy placement for us.
Ideally, at this point, we would like to clip the patient’s abdomen and apply ultrasound gel prior to the scan to give the gel time to soak in. Some patients will tolerate this well but for others it is too overwhelming. We wouldn’t ever force the patient to be clipped conscious if it is making them stressed. We always use Pet Remedy spray on a towel for the patient to stand or lay on. Sometimes this is all that is needed to relax the patient.
Some patients will require light sedation to ensure a stress-free experience and for the vet to be able to perform the ultrasound examination successfully. This is of course at the vet’s discretion, as well as deciding which drugs to use. We will usually place the intravenous cannula at this point and then give the sedation. We then will either put the patient back in the kennel/cattery whilst they relax or pre-oxygenate them if needed.
Plenty of padded vetbeds, blankets and a heat mat (if sedated) are essential on the examination table so the patient will be comfortable and warm.
If the patient is relaxed but is still a little reactive to sounds or people moving around, placing a light blanket with Pet Remedy over their head really helps. This blocks out noise and light stimulus and helps the patient relax further. I will always ensure that their nose is not under the blanket and any sedated patients will always have additional oxygen supplementation via a mask. Doing it this way means I am still able to monitor the patient closely. We also always play calming classical music whilst the scan is taking place, this further helps to calm the patient and blocks out any distracting noises.
The ultrasound examination is not usually painful for the patient and most patients don’t appear to mind the sensation of the probe at all. If they are not sedated, regularly comforting the patient is great and ensuring that they don’t become stressed at all. We let un-sedated patients take small breaks often so they don’t get fed up of being held still. If they do get stressed, taking it really slow and with positive reinforcement should work well.
On recovery, all patients are monitored very carefully until they are fully awake. Even if they haven’t been sedated it is important to still stay with the patient until they are relaxed again in their kennel or cattery. I will always use Eaze-off spray or similar to remove the tape and IV cannula, this again, contributes to the overall stress and fear free approach.
Your patient should go home happy and relaxed after their ultrasound examination!
Becky RVN