Ultrasound-Guided Aspirates at Southeastern Veterinary Specialty Center
What is an Ultrasound-Guided Aspirate?
An ultrasound-guided aspirate is a procedure in which a Veterinarian uses ultrasound imaging to precisely locate an area of concern, such as a cyst or abnormal tissue, and guide a needle to withdraw fluid or cells for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Why are these needed?
Our veterinarian may recommend performing ultrasound guided sampling, typically via aspiration, to obtain additional information. Samples obtained in this manner can help to characterize chronic diseases, such as liver disease, and can aid in the diagnosis of cancer.
How is this done?
In these patients, the ultrasound is used to help guide a sampling device into the appropriate tissue for collection. These samples can then be submitted to a veterinary (clinical) pathologist for examination. Ultrasound can also be used to remove fluid from body cavities for analysis or therapeutically, such as the abdomen (abdominocentesis), chest (thoracocentesis), and from around the heart (pericardiocentesis).
Ultrasound guided aspirates require sedation to minimize patient discomfort. In some cases, aspirates can be performed on the same day as the initial consultation. However, a second visit may be needed for this procedure. Patients are typically discharged the same day the procedure is performed.
