The exam itself is easy for the pet.  The pet is placed on its side for heart examinations and on its back (in a padded trough) for abdomen examinations.  The hair over the area will need to be shaven, and a warm lotion is placed on the skin.  Most pets relax and enjoy the "tummy rub" but occasionally some pets need light sedation.

Ultrasound can also be used to help Dr. Stubbs obtain samples of tissue for testing.  This can take the form of a "fine-needle aspirate" or a "tissue biopsy."  The fine-needle aspirate is simply inserting a small needle into the tissue (liver, kidney, etc) and pulling some cells into the syringe.  Most pets tolerate this very well.  It's no more painful than getting a vaccination or having blood drawn for a heartworm check.  The biopsy procedure involves taking a larger piece of tissue.  In this case the pet will need sedation or anesthesia.  Dr. Stubbs may need to perform other tests on your pet prior to the fine-needle aspirate or biopsy.  She will explain everything to you beforehand.