Pet Ultrasound in Fulshear, TX, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Fulshear is a vet in Fulshear, TX, that uses basic ultrasound during visits for dogs and cats. A scan takes minutes, doesn't hurt and uses sound waves, not radiation. The vet uses it to check the bladder, collect a clean urine sample and look for fluid in the belly or chest.

Call (281) 214-6363, book online or walk in.

What can a basic ultrasound show?

A basic ultrasound answers focused questions during a visit:

• Is there a stone, sludge or a thick wall in the bladder?

• Is there free fluid in the belly or around the heart or lungs?

• Where is the bladder, so a needle can collect urine safely?

Across Petfolk, nearly three in four ultrasound procedures (73%) are ultrasound-guided urine collection, and about 1 in 8 (12%) is a focused FAST scan, a fast look for fluid in the belly or chest (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026).

Clean urine, straight from the bladder

Urine caught in a cup picks up germs from the skin and fur. For a true bladder infection test, the vet collects urine straight from the bladder with a thin needle. This is called cystocentesis. The ultrasound shows exactly where the bladder is, so the needle goes in once, quickly. It takes less than a minute. Most pets handle it well, and the sample can go for a urine culture to pick the right antibiotic.

Is ultrasound used for cats?

Yes, often. Cats get bladder problems more than many people expect, and they hide pain well. Stress, a change in routine or not drinking enough water can all play a part. At our Houston-area clinics, cats are more than twice as likely as dogs to have an ultrasound at a sick visit (7% vs 3%), and about 1 in 4 visits for urinary problems include one (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026). A cat who strains in the litter box, pees outside it or licks below the tail should be seen the same day. A male cat that can't pee at all can't wait; see the signs near the end of this page.

How should I prepare my pet?

• A full bladder helps. Try to keep your dog from peeing right before the visit, and keep the litter box away from your cat for a few hours if the vet asks.

• The vet may clip a small patch of fur so the probe touches the skin.

• For a look at the belly, the team may ask you to skip the morning meal.

Your pet lies on a padded table, on its back or side, with gentle Fear Free holding and plenty of treats.

My dog loved the doctor and would not stop trying to get her to pet him.

Jim, Google review

What you'll learn that day

The vet tells you what the scan shows before you leave. If urine was collected, a urinalysis from the in-house lab often comes back during the visit. A culture takes a few days and tells the vet which antibiotic will work best. If the scan shows bladder stones, the vet will explain whether a prescription diet, medicine or surgery fits your pet.

What does an ultrasound cost?

A sick visit exam at Petfolk Fulshear starts at $135. The ultrasound and any urine tests are priced separately. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

When a full scan is needed

Petfolk Fulshear does basic ultrasound, not a full scan of every organ or the heart. If your pet needs one, the vet will refer you to a specialist and send the records and any x-rays. The diagnostic imaging page explains how x-rays and ultrasound work together.

Signs that can't wait

A male cat straining with no urine, a swollen belly with pale gums, or collapse needs care right now. Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital, such as VEG Katy on West Grand Parkway South.

Ultrasound in Jordan Ranch

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Fulshear is at 29615 Jordan Crossing Blvd, Suite 240, Katy, TX 77494, off FM 1093. Bring a list of your pet's medicines and any past urine test results.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Fulshear, or see all veterinary services in Fulshear.