Diagnostic Medical Sonography News May 2019 | Page 4

Ultrasound in
Veterinary Medicine
Sonography is a rewarding career path with a range of areas in which to specialize. Sonographers
work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, diagnostic clinics and the one place that is not often thought of:
veterinary clinics.
The use of sonography in small veterinary medicine dates back almost as long as the use of
sonography in the human medical field. Between the two, there are a few similarities and
differences that one wouldn’t quite think of right away. In humans, ultrasounds are used for
a variety of different health conditions, from heart disease and breast abnormalities to bone
structure. By using ultrasounds, sonographers can help diagnose different conditions, illnesses
and disorders. As a patient is lying on the table, it is usually somewhat easy for the sonographer
to navigate around the patient’s body to locate and image the correct structures. This is where it
differs with animals.
When an animal needs an ultrasound, it may indicate a chronic disease process in which the cause
is unknown, masses can be found and biopsies may need to be done to ensure that they are benign.
As an animal lies on the table, it might be panting and moving quite a bit, so images may turn out
blurry. The sonographer cannot request that it remain still or take a deep breath and hold it in
which would make the image clear. Veterinary sonographers will explain that cats may have two
gallbladders, as opposed to humans who have just one. The pancreas is not visible in ultrasounds.
They do fine needle aspirations for urine samples. They try not to remove organs whenever
possible.
In veterinary ultrasound, the animal’s owner may need to make a decision regarding euthanasia
if the illness or pathology that is identified turns out to be terminal or untreatable for any reason.
In humans, that would not be the case with any illness or pathology that is identified. Treatment
options would be offered by the patient’s doctor.
Emily McNaught
Program Intern
What Professionalism
Means to Me
Professionalism can have many different meanings that associate multiple attributes. For some,
being a professional can mean the way one dresses, having advanced degrees or the right attitude.
For others, it may even mean just showing up on time and making their best effort. The truth is
being a professional can mean all of these things and more.
Diagnostic
Medical
Sonography
Special knowledge is the most important pillar of professionalism. While degrees and certificates
may serve as a foundation of knowledge, they are not always necessary. What truly matters is
that a professional exhibits special knowledge that is needed to succeed in their career. This could
be achieved by education, training, research or practice. For professionals, it is important to keep
this knowledge up-to-date. As time passes, they learn more valuable information that will benefit
their job performance. Not only do professionals need to be competent with new information
and practices, but they must also get the job done. By doing so, a professional must be reliable
and focused. Especially in healthcare, professionals need to be trustworthy and accountable.
Honesty and integrity go a long way in providing quality care. All professionals should exhibit
these qualities in an effort to be trustworthy individuals and hold true to their values. The most
common expectation for a professional is image. Professionals should always be cognizant of their
appearance. This includes dressing in full uniform by wearing scrubs, appropriate office attire, safety
wear and any additional specialty wear that will assist with getting the job done. Professionals
are individuals who are valued and respected in the workplace. These individuals are routinely
successful in their careers. You too can be a professional by following these guidelines!
Sasha Jadunandan
Program Intern