PAWS Portable Animal Western Sonography, Inc.

08/26/2025

08/09/2025

We will be closed from August 13th to 17th and will reopen for appointments starting August 18th. Thank you for your understanding!

08/04/2025

See you there

06/04/2025

Even the smallest job becomes noble when done with heart.

06/04/2025

Does anyone have an ultrasound protocol for pigeons? 😊

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.