Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, to show the inside of soft organs such as the bladder, liver, spleen and kidneys while they move, and it often answers the question an x-ray leaves open. Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - SouthPark, a veterinary clinic on Old Sardis Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers basic ultrasound in the clinic for dogs and cats, and the vet will tell you plainly if your pet needs a fuller study elsewhere.
Call (980) 580-8079 or book online.
What is ultrasound used for at Petfolk SouthPark?
At Petfolk SouthPark, most ultrasound work guides a clean urine sample: nearly two in three ultrasound procedures (65%) were ultrasound-guided urine collection, called cystocentesis, from October 2025 to September 2026. In cystocentesis, the vet uses the live image to guide a fine needle into the bladder, so the sample is free of skin and floor bacteria.
More than half of Petfolk SouthPark visits for urinary problems (52%) included a urine test or urine collection (same window).
Across Petfolk's Charlotte-area clinics, about 1 in 9 urinary sick visits (11%) included an ultrasound.
Other common reasons for a scan include blood work that points to a liver, kidney or spleen problem, a urinary infection that keeps coming back, a belly that feels firm or sore, or a lump inside the abdomen the vet can feel but not identify.
How is ultrasound different from an x-ray?
X-rays and ultrasound answer different questions, so the Petfolk SouthPark vet may use both.
X-rays show bones, the outline of the chest and heart, gas, stones and many swallowed objects. A brief burst of radiation makes a still picture, and sedation is sometimes needed for a still pose.
Ultrasound shows the inside of soft organs and fluid. A handheld probe sends sound waves and shows a live, moving image. Most pets need no sedation.
CT or MRI builds detailed cross-section images of the brain, spine, nose and complex masses. It almost always needs general anesthesia and is done at a referral or specialty hospital.
For example, an x-ray might show a stomach full of gas, and ultrasound can then check whether the stomach wall and nearby organs look normal. The pet x-rays page explains the imaging visit for x-rays.
What is the difference between basic and advanced ultrasound?
All Petfolk care centers offer basic ultrasound, a focused scan that answers a specific question, while advanced ultrasound services vary by location.
Basic (focused) ultrasound checks a targeted question, such as whether there is free fluid in the belly, whether the bladder holds stones or sludge, or whether there is an obvious mass. It is often done during the same visit as the exam.
Advanced ultrasound is a full, organ-by-organ study, or an echocardiogram (a heart ultrasound that measures the chambers and valves). It is usually scheduled with a specialist, who sends a detailed report back to your vet.
A basic scan still adds a lot: finding fluid or a large mass early can change the plan that same day. If your pet needs more, the Petfolk SouthPark vet will explain where that study can be done.
How do I prepare my pet for an ultrasound?
Ask the Petfolk SouthPark team when you book, because preparation depends on the organ being scanned.
Food. The vet may ask you to hold breakfast, because a full stomach makes gas, and gas blocks sound waves.
Water. Usually fine. For a bladder scan, skip the potty break right before the appointment, since a full bladder is easier to see.
Fur. A patch of fur is clipped from the belly so the probe touches skin. The fur grows back over a few weeks.
Comfort. Most pets lie on a padded cushion on their back or side while the vet moves a gel-covered probe over the skin. Gentle Handling helps: a towel, a slow pace and treats if allowed.
What happens after the scan?
The Petfolk SouthPark vet can often tell you what they saw while the images are still on screen. Some findings call for samples, such as a urine sample collected straight from the bladder, or blood tests to go with the images. You get an estimate before any extra tests or treatment. The American Veterinary Medical Association has background on how vets use imaging and when specialists get involved.
Which belly or bladder signs can't wait for a scan?
Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your pet's belly is swelling quickly, your dog is retching without bringing anything up, your pet collapses or has very pale gums, or your pet is straining to pee and producing nothing. These signs can mean internal bleeding, a twisted stomach or a urinary blockage. A blocked bladder is especially urgent in male cats.
Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - SouthPark is at 4914 Old Sardis Rd, Unit C5, Charlotte, NC 28211, where a vet in SouthPark scans dogs and cats.
Call (980) 580-8079 or book online.
Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - SouthPark, or see all veterinary services in SouthPark.
Ultrasound questions from pet parents
Near the Fairview Road side of SouthPark