PAWS Portable Animal Western Sonography, Inc.

03/26/2025

The dog was feeling anxious in her cage, so this amazing technician picked her up, and now she’s happily enjoying the comfort of being carried around. 🩵

03/22/2025

Emergency surgery days…

03/21/2025

Since I started ultrasounds 10+ years ago, I’ve been eager to perform echocardiograms and abdominal scans on any species. All I need is access to reliable articles from cardiologists or radiologists, complete with images, and my studies always lead to diagnostic success. I’ve scanned a wide variety of animals—from primates like chimpanzees for the Great Ape Project to snakes. Attached is a picture of me scanning the heart of a bearded dragon.

This position isn’t the one typically advised by the UC Davis article on echocardiograms in bearded dragons, but this particular patient became stressed in the standard position. To minimize stress, we supplied oxygen, and I approached from a different angle, which still provided highly diagnostic images for the cardiologist. Minimal stress is key with any cardiac patient—our goal is to obtain a study, not compromise the patient’s well-being in the process.

I have also performed abnormal studies on bearded dragons, scanned chickens, and, of course, routinely examined dogs and cats. My experience extends to scanning mountain lions, bear cubs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, geckos, pigs, goats, and even rats. I think I’m forgetting a few animals.

My work as an animal health technician with the UCLA Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine back in 2001 helped me broaden my skills significantly. I even performed dentistry on a variety of animals; for example, I once carried out a surgical extraction of a canine tooth in an African green monkey. Being in this field never gets boring, and I always look forward to the next adventure and challenges.

11/11/2024

Honestly, my favorite part of the job is all the staff dogs who come to greet me. This one won’t even let me start setting up until I’ve spent at least five minutes giving him some attention!

09/23/2024

From PAWS: Today is the 1st Day of Fall! 🍁 As temperatures start to get cooler, animals will seek shelter in non ideal locations. We understand that people don’t want mice, snakes, lizards etc..in their home. However, please NEVER use sticky traps or rodenticides. They are inhumane and the animal suffers a slow and painful death. Instead use live traps, ultrasonic repellers, and unpleasant scents. Just a friendly reminder that we share this planet with our animal friends.

Other humane options but not limited to the following:

*Peppermint Oil
*Steel Wool
*Rodent Repellent sprays sold online
*Irish Spring bars cut up
*Rolling Log Mouse Traps (no water)
*Catch & Release Mouse Traps

09/21/2024

Since 2016, I’ve been providing mobile cardiac and abdominal ultrasound services in the area, and I’m also available for house calls! As a licensed veterinary technician/sonographer with over combined 30 years of experience, I specialize in performing detailed and affordable echocardiograms and abdominal scans for pets. With advanced training and a passion for helping animals, I’m here to bring expert diagnostic care directly to your clinic or home. 🩺✨

Feel free to reach out to your veterinarian and ask them to contact me directly for scheduling. If a house call is needed, I can coordinate with a local veterinarian to make it happen. Plus, a local cardiologist interprets my studies and is available for follow-up consultations if the case is more complex.

Let’s work together to give your pets the best possible care! 🐾❤️

📞 Call or text: 530-786-8340
📧 Email: [email protected]

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05/10/2024

Four year old dog presented for a 2/6 heart murmur found on preop exam. Asymptomatic. Very aggressive behavior. Unable to do a thorough exam without sedation. Sedated for an echocardiogram and as soon as the probe was placed on the chest, I noticed intestinal loops adjacent to the heart. Requested radiographs to confirm my findings. Chest X-rays and echocardiogram are indicative of a condition known as a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). A PPDH is due to an abnormal communication between the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and the space around the heart (pericardium). Normally, the heart is confined within a membranous sac (pericardial sac), but in pets with PPDH, there is a defect in the sac, creating a continuous opening through the diaphragm and into the peritoneum. This communication may permit abdominal organs to herniate through the diaphragm and enter the space around the heart. Certain breeds of dogs and cats are predisposed to this condition. Some patients are asymptomatic, and the PPDH may be identified incidentally when they are adults. Others will develop clinical signs, such as respiratory distress, due to altered cardiac function. It is difficult to predict if the PPDH will be problematic over time.
Patient’s intestinal loops have partially herniated through the defect in the diaphragm and are located next to the heart. I wonder if the dog’s aggression is due to his condition.

04/12/2024

Dear compassionate pet parents,

Are you feeling concerned about your beloved furry friend needing an echocardiogram or abdominal ultrasound? If your veterinarian has recommended it, I understand the mix of emotions you may be experiencing. Please know that I'm here to offer support and guidance every step of the way.

Let me share a bit about myself – I'm a certified veterinary ultrasound technician with over a decade of experience and a heartfelt commitment to caring for animals. My journey began with a challenging 12-month program at the Academy of Advanced Veterinary Imaging, where I had the privilege of learning from esteemed radiologists and cardiologists.

I understand the importance of providing a stress-free environment for your cherished companion, which is why I partner with compassionate veterinarians to ensure your pet feels safe and comfortable throughout the process. Whether it's at one of the 70 clinics I service or in the comfort of your own home, your pet's well-being is always my top priority.

On a personal note, I continue to collaborate with several veterinarians who offer house calls, ensuring that your pet receives comprehensive care. Dr. Wendy Robinson, Dr. Kim Barnes, and Critter Care are just a few of the wonderful professionals I have the privilege of working with.

Based in the Reno-Tahoe area, I'm here to serve you and your cherished pets, along with neighboring areas. Together, let's ensure that your furry companions receive the exceptional care and attention they deserve. Please feel free to share this with fellow pet owners who may benefit from our services.

Thank you for entrusting me with the care of your beloved pets. Let's work together to keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and thriving.

03/01/2024

I included normal looking small intestine alongside small intestine that appears diffusely thickened with mucosal speckling. Low albumin. Diarrhea. 4 year old shepherd What’s your suspicion?

03/01/2024

Adrenals

02/28/2024

02/23/2024

02/20/2024

These business trips are exhausting.

02/15/2024

Let’s play abnormal vs normal. First. What are we looking at? Secondly, which images(s) are abnormal?

02/14/2024

The sludge appears as moderately hyperechoic, non-shadowing sediment in the dependent portion of the GB. In this cat, the GB wall is hyperechoic and mildly thickened, presumably the result of cholecystitis. Cat presented with anorexia. , weight loss, lethargy, and vomiting. In cats, GBS has been reported with various liver diseases, particularly those affecting the biliary tract. Also, it has been suggested that GBS may be more significant or more likely associated with disease in cats than in dogs

02/13/2024

Setting up for a cardiac work up , using the table my father built. ❤️🐾

02/07/2024

02/07/2024