Pet Ultrasound in North Hills, Raleigh, NC, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is a vet in North Hills, Raleigh, that does basic ultrasound for dogs and cats. Ultrasound uses sound waves to show soft tissue in real time, with no radiation. At the clinic it is most often used to look at the bladder, to collect a clean urine sample, and to check the belly or chest for free fluid after an injury.

The probe sits on the skin with a little gel. Most pets lie still for it without any sedation.

Call (984) 983-4900 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

What is a pet ultrasound used for at Petfolk North Hills?

Basic ultrasound at Petfolk North Hills answers focused questions:

• Clean urine collection (cystocentesis). The vet uses ultrasound to guide a thin needle into the bladder for a sterile sample. Across Petfolk, nearly three in four ultrasound procedures (73%) are this kind of urine collection (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026).

• FAST scans. A FAST scan is a quick, focused look at the belly or chest for fluid or bleeding. About 1 in 8 ultrasounds across Petfolk (12%) is a FAST scan.

• Bladder checks. Looking for stones, sludge or thickening of the bladder wall.

• Guiding next steps. Checking whether a problem needs a full specialist ultrasound.

Why collect urine with ultrasound?

A urine sample caught in a cup can pick up bacteria from the skin or the floor. That can make a urine culture, the test that grows and identifies bacteria, look like an infection when there isn't one. A sample taken straight from the bladder with ultrasound guidance gives a clean answer. It is the best way to diagnose a true bladder infection and pick the right antibiotic, especially in cats who strain or pee outside the box.

The needle is very thin. Most pets react about as much as they do to a vaccine.

Every visit we were greeted with kindness and compassion, they explained different symptoms and treatments very well and provided up front and accurate costs.

Zoe v., Google review

Step by step on scan day

1. The vet explains what the scan should answer and gives you an estimate.

2. Your pet lies on a padded table, on its back or side, with gentle support.

3. A small patch of fur on the belly may be clipped so the probe makes good contact.

4. Warm gel goes on, and the vet moves the probe over the area for a few minutes.

5. The vet tells you what they saw and what comes next.

Every Petfolk clinic uses Fear Free handling. The team keeps the room calm and lets your pet settle before starting.

How much does a pet ultrasound cost?

Cost depends on what is scanned and whether a urine sample or other test is added. Petfolk North Hills quotes the scan first. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. Ultrasound is added to an exam, and a sick or urgent exam starts at $135.

Basic scan or full specialist ultrasound?

A basic scan at Petfolk North Hills is focused, not a full survey of every organ. If your pet needs a detailed look at the liver, intestines or heart, the vet will talk with you about a specialist ultrasound. In the Raleigh area, specialty hospitals such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Paragon Park Road offer specialty care and 24-hour emergency service.

Signs that need a vet today

A cat or dog straining to pee and passing little or nothing needs a vet the same day. A male cat that can't pee at all needs care right away, because a blocked bladder can turn serious within hours. If your pet collapses, has pale gums or a quickly swelling belly, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital.

See also blood work and lab testing in North Hills and diagnostic imaging in North Hills.

Visit Petfolk North Hills

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is at 631 E Six Forks Rd, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609. Call (984) 983-4900, book online or walk in.

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