Dogwood Radiology Services
Outpatient Ultrasound by a Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologist (DACVR)
Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency offers referral-only outpatient diagnostic ultrasound performed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist. Our radiology service supports referring veterinarians with advanced imaging, timely communication, and high-quality diagnostic interpretation—while keeping your pet’s primary veterinarian at the center of ongoing care.
Outpatient Ultrasound (Referral Cases Only)
Our outpatient ultrasound service provides advanced diagnostic imaging for dogs and cats referred by their primary veterinarian. Ultrasound is a non-invasive tool that allows detailed evaluation of internal organs, soft tissues, and specific areas of concern—helping guide accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Common reasons for referral ultrasound may include:
- Abdominal organ evaluation (liver, spleen, kidneys, GI tract, bladder)
- Masses or fluid assessment
- Focused evaluation of a specific area of concern
- Follow-up imaging for ongoing medical conditions
Why Choose a Board-Certified Radiologist?
A board-certified veterinary radiologist has completed extensive specialty training and rigorous certification beyond veterinary school. This advanced expertise helps ensure:
- Accurate image acquisition and interpretation
- Recognition of subtle or complex abnormalities
- Clear, detailed reports to guide clinical decision-making
- Direct collaboration with your referring veterinarian
About Dr. Kristen Fleming, DVM, DACVR
Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologist
Dr. Kristen Fleming is a board-certified veterinary radiologist (DACVR) with advanced training in diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound, radiography, CT, and MRI. She is committed to providing accurate image interpretation and clear communication to support referring veterinarians and ensure the highest standard of patient care.
Dr. Fleming earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University and completed her diagnostic imaging internship and residency at Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has extensive experience working with specialty and emergency hospitals, performing and interpreting a wide range of imaging studies—from routine evaluations to complex and time-sensitive cases.
Refer a Case
Our referral team will reach out to the client to set up an appointment
What to Expect at Your Ultrasound Appointment
Referral-Only Appointments
Ultrasound appointments are available exclusively for patients referred by their primary veterinarian.
Expert Imaging & Reporting
Dr. Fleming will personally perform the ultrasound and submit a detailed diagnostic report directly to your pet’s regular veterinarian for follow-up care and discussion of next steps.
Urgent Findings
If an abnormality is identified that requires immediate attention, Dr. Fleming will contact your referring veterinarian promptly to discuss the findings.
Fine Needle Aspirates (FNA) & Cytology
If a fine needle aspirate is recommended (at the radiologist’s discretion), sedation is required for patient comfort and safety.
- Cytology samples are submitted for analysis
- Results are added to the patient portal for the referring veterinarian to review and discuss with you
- If you would like a copy of the results emailed directly to you, please contact client@dogwood.vet
Scheduling & Timing Considerations (Emergency Hospital Setting)
Dogwood is a 24/7 emergency and critical care facility. While we make every effort to protect your scheduled appointment time, emergency cases may occasionally require immediate attention.
- Drop-off appointments are strongly encouraged
- You may wait during the ultrasound if you prefer, but we kindly ask for patience if emergencies arise
Emergency Ultrasound Availability
If your pet is experiencing an emergency and requires an ultrasound immediately, they are welcome to be evaluated through Dogwood’s Emergency Service.
- Your pet will be admitted under the care of the emergency doctor on duty, who will oversee all diagnostics and treatment decisions
- Emergency ultrasound evaluations are subject to emergency triage, case priority, and Dr. Fleming’s availability
- An additional emergency service fee applies when ultrasound is performed through the emergency service
For non-emergent concerns, outpatient ultrasound appointments remain available by veterinary referral only and are the preferred option whenever possible.
Types of Ultrasound Performed
As a board-certified radiologist, Dr. Fleming is experienced and comfortable performing any type of diagnostic ultrasound requested by a veterinarian, including abdominal, focused, and specialized studies.
Refer a Case
Our referral team will reach out to the client to set up an appointment
FAQs
Do I need a referral for an outpatient ultrasound?
Yes. Outpatient ultrasound appointments are referral-only and must be scheduled by your primary veterinarian.
Who performs the ultrasound?
Dr. Kristen Fleming, DVM, DACVR performs the ultrasound and submits the report to your pet’s regular veterinarian.
Will I receive the ultrasound report?
The report is sent to your referring veterinarian, who will discuss results and next steps with you. If you would like a copy emailed to you, contact client@dogwood.vet.
What if something urgent is found during the ultrasound?
If urgent findings are identified, Dr. Fleming will contact the referring veterinarian promptly to discuss the case.
Does my pet need sedation for an FNA?
Yes. If a fine needle aspirate is recommended, sedation is required for comfort and safety.
Can my pet get an ultrasound through the ER?
Yes—only for emergency cases. ER cases are managed by the emergency doctor and is subject to radiologist availability.
