Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call.

1. What are the Hospital hours?

Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm for appointments.  We do not see appointments Saturday or Sunday.

Technicians and veterinary nurses are available to monitor hospitalized cases overnight.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

Yes, patients are seen by appointment only.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

Mastercard and Visa are preferred methods of payment. We also accept Care Credit.

4. Can I make payments?

Payment is required at the time of service.

5. How should I prepare for an appointment?

Before your appointment, we recommend completing the history form online. We prefer most patients be fasted for 12 hours (no food, but water is OK) prior to a scheduled appointment. Bring with you any medications or supplements that you give your pet. Have your primary care veterinarian fill out a referral form and send us any medical records (including lab work, radiographs, etc) to our office via fax or email.

6. Why is fasting recommended?

Food and gas in the digestive tract can interfere with ultrasound imaging. So fasting usually allows for better images. Fasting is also necessary for certain laboratory tests and if sedation is needed.

Fasting is usually not recommended for young puppies/kittens because this may results in the blood sugar dropping too low.

In diabetic pets, we usually recommend giving only 1/2 the usual dose and fasting the patient. We can check the blood glucose to make  sure it does not become too low.

7. What is the difference between radiographs and ultrasound?

Radiographs of the chest are useful for evaluating the overall size of the heart and lungs. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)  allows visualization the heart valves, measure the ability of the heart muscle to contract with adequate force, and look for congenital heart  defects. Doppler ultrasound allows to determine the source and significance of a heart murmur. 

Abdominal radiographs can usually determine the size and shape of several organs, but ultrasound allows visualization of the internal  structure of these organs. Ultrasound also enables us to take samples to submit to the lab. This is often helpful for establishing a diagnosis  and formulating the best treatment plan.

8. Is sedation usually required?

For most pets, sedation is not required for an abdominal ultrasound or echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Sedation may be used for patients that are aggressive, nervous, or painful. Sedation may also be used for wiggly pets, pets with excessive panting, or if biopsies are taken. 

9. What do I do if my pet is anxious at the vet's office?

Just like some humans get nervous going to the doctor's office, the same is true for some of our animal patients.  At Veterinary Specialty Solutions, we aim to reduce stress/anxiety whenever possible. If your pet gets anxious at the vet's office, you can ask your primary care veterinarian about using an anti-anxiety medications. We generally recommend either trazodone (in dogs) or gabapentin (dogs or cats). A dose given the night before and 2 hours before your appointment may help with your pet's anxiety. 

10. Can I be present in the room during my pet's ultrasound examination?

Often times, yes, you can watch as the ultrasound examination is being performed.  Some exceptions exist - such as if the pet needs to be  sedated or if biopsies need to be taken.