Pet Ultrasound in Sandy Springs, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is a vet in Sandy Springs, GA, that does basic ultrasound for dogs and cats on site. It is used most often to collect a clean urine sample straight from the bladder, and for quick scans of the belly or chest when a pet is sick.

Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation. Most pets feel nothing more than cool gel, and a scan usually takes minutes.

Call (678) 673-3977 or book online.

What is a basic ultrasound used for?

At Petfolk Sandy Springs, basic ultrasound helps the vet:

• Collect sterile urine (cystocentesis): a thin needle, guided by ultrasound, draws urine straight from the bladder. It gives the cleanest sample for a urine culture.

• Look at the bladder: for stones, sludge or thickened walls.

• Check the belly after an injury or sudden illness: for free fluid, which can mean bleeding.

• Check the chest: for fluid around the lungs or heart.

• Guide a next step: such as whether a pet needs referral for a full study.

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 of the belly or chest (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). FAST is a short, targeted scan that looks for fluid where it shouldn't be.

Is a needle in the bladder safe?

Yes. For most pets, ultrasound-guided urine collection at Petfolk Sandy Springs is quick and well tolerated. The needle is thin, the vet watches it on the screen the whole time, and the sample avoids bacteria from the skin or floor that can confuse results. Many pets react less to it than to a nail trim.

Getting ready for the scan

For a urine sample, don't let your pet pee right before the visit if you can help it, because a full bladder is easier to find. For a belly scan, the vet may ask you to skip a meal, since food and gas block the view. Water is fine unless the team says otherwise. If your pet has had a urinary infection before, bring the dates and the medicine used, so the vet can choose the right culture and compare results.

What happens during the scan

1. Your pet lies on a padded table, on its back or side, with a team member gently supporting it.

2. A small patch of fur may be clipped so the probe touches skin.

3. Warm gel goes on the skin, and the vet moves the probe over the area.

4. The vet explains what they see on the screen.

Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic. Treats, soft padding and calm voices help most pets stay relaxed without sedation.

When does a pet need advanced ultrasound?

Basic ultrasound is at every Petfolk clinic; advanced ultrasound varies by location. A full study of the heart or abdomen by a specialist sees much more detail. If your pet needs one, the vet at Petfolk Sandy Springs will refer you to a specialty hospital and send your pet's records.

What does ultrasound cost?

The cost depends on the type of scan and any tests run on the samples. At Petfolk Sandy Springs you'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit, for example if a urine culture is added.

A sudden collapse or a swollen belly

A pet who collapses, has pale gums or a quickly swelling belly may be bleeding inside and needs a 24-hour emergency hospital now, such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Abernathy Rd NE.

Plan the visit

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is at 6223 Roswell Rd, 365A, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Call (678) 673-3977. To compare tests, see pet diagnostic imaging in Sandy Springs.

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