Veterinary ultrasounds are a painless, non-invasive imaging method used to evaluate your pet’s internal organs, helping to diagnose medical conditions quickly and accurately.
Note: At Black Mountain Animal Hospital in Rancho Peñasquitos, we provide on-site ultrasound imaging. Your vet may recommend one during a Sick Visit to better understand your pet’s condition (additional fees may apply).
At Black Mountain Animal Hospital in Rancho Peñasquitos, we offer in-house ultrasound services during physical exams, eliminating the need for off-site referrals and providing fast, convenient answers when your pet isn’t feeling their best.
Comprehensive Internal Imaging
Ultrasounds allow us to assess your pet’s internal organs and diagnose issues like GI conditions, bladder stones, heart concerns, or pregnancy—things that aren’t always visible in a standard exam.
Early Diagnosis = Better Care
Ultrasounds help us detect potential problems early, so we can intervene sooner and improve outcomes for your pet’s health.
Gentle, Low-Stress Care
Our Fear Free® certified team uses calming techniques to keep pets relaxed during procedures, helping reduce anxiety for both you and your pet.
Clear Communication for Pet Owners
We’ll walk you through the entire ultrasound process and explain the results, so you’re informed and confident every step of the way.
Our Pet Ultrasound Process
At Black Mountain Animal Hospital in Rancho Peñasquitos, we make every effort to ensure your pet’s ultrasound is as smooth and stress-free as possible. If needed, we may recommend additional imaging or refer to a board-certified specialist for deeper insight.
Ultrasound Appointment
Most ultrasounds are quick and painless. If your pet is anxious, we may prescribe calming medication beforehand. The area to be scanned will typically need to be shaved to ensure a clear image.
Discussing Results
Once the scan is complete, your veterinarian will go over the results with you and answer any questions. If a specialist's input is needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Next Steps for Care
If treatment is needed, we’ll provide a personalized care plan which may include medications, follow-up visits, or referral to a trusted veterinary specialist.
Compassionate Care, Close to Home
Our experienced veterinarians provide expert, personalized care in our Rancho Peñasquitos clinic—making it easy to keep every pet in your home happy, healthy, and supported with the attention they deserve.
At Black Mountain Animal Hospital in Rancho Peñasquitos, our veterinary team performs in-house ultrasound procedures during sick visits when advanced imaging is needed. For more complex cases, we may refer your pet to a veterinary specialist for additional diagnostics.
AFAST and TFAST Imaging
AFAST (abdominal-focused assessment) and TFAST (thoracic-focused assessment) scans help us detect fluid in the chest or abdomen, especially in emergency or trauma-related cases.
Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)
An echocardiogram is used to examine the structure and function of your pet’s heart and can help detect cardiac disease early.
Dr. Render is the founder of Render HeartCare, a mobile cardiology service based in San Diego. He earned his veterinary degree from Cornell University and completed advanced training in internal medicine and cardiology through internships and a residency at MedVet Columbus. His clinical interests include congenital heart defects and cardiac tumor evaluations.
When he’s not caring for pets, Dr. Render enjoys sports, cooking shows, and comedies.
Meet Dr. Cocker, a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist based in San Diego. After earning her veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University, she completed advanced training in internal medicine and critical care across Texas before returning to California for her residency. She has a special interest in gastrointestinal and liver disease and contributed to Ettinger’s textbook on internal medicine. Outside of work, Dr. Cocker enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and child.