Questions? Contact us

Please feel free to reach out to us by filling out the form below, emailing or calling us. We’re here to help!
info@thefocalzone.com

For Veterinarians Only

289-808-2608

Send us a message

FAQs:

You Ask? We Answer.

Details On Your Appointment

Before Your Appointment

Day of The Appointment

  • Patient dropped off prior to scheduled appointment window
  • Prep patient (shave, IV catheter, sedation etc.)
  • 1-2 staff members for restraint (depending on temperament, sedation, cardiac)
  • Approx. 20 minutes scan time

Due to liability and insurance reasons, clients cannot be  present or restrain their pets during the sonogram. Please do not ask us to break this rule, as it is not optional for us to do so.

After The Appointment

  • Reports available for viewing/downloading within 24 hours for routine; less than 6 hours for STAT
  • Access reports at: reports.sonopath.com

Cancellation Of The Appointment

The courtesy cancellation window is 24 hours before the appointment time, and every effort to cancel in that time frame is encouraged and appreciated. However, we do understand that medicine is unpredictable. If last minute cancellations become habitual, or if the cancellation is made within 2 hours of your scheduled appointment window, a cancellation fee of $60 may apply.

What is Submitted with the Ultrasound Image Set?

Completed patient history form – this should include a summarized history of the case, and should be completed prior to the appointment so that Kelly Reschny, RVT & Crystal Hill, RVT can familiarize themselves with the case.

Current laboratory findings and any radiograph interpretation reports  up to 3 current radiographs (per pertinent cavity) – These will be sent by Kelly and Crystal to the specialist reading the case as supplemental reference tools to aid with the sonographic diagnosing.

If you would like a diagnostic radiographic interpretation & report, we recommend submission directly through our teleradiology service via SonoPath at: spa.sonopath.com

Please contact us if you have any questions on the teleradiology upload process.

Can I Request a Specific Specialist to Consult on the Sonogram?

SonoPath provides multiple types of specialists available throughout the week to help consult with echocardiograms. Visit https://sonopath.com/about/team/

We will do our best to accommodate your request for a specific specialist, however, if they are not available, your case will be forwarded to the next available specialist. If you wish to wait for your preferred specialist, please let us know.

All of our specialists are available by email for any clarification needed. If their individual email address is not listed on the ultrasound report, you can contact them at info@sonopath.com and your message will be forwarded to the appropriate specialist.

Please ensure your client does not contact our specialists directly. If this should occur, they will be directed back to your clinic to ensure the proper channels are being utilized. We do not have an established legal relationship with your clients, therefore, we are not able to communicate directly with them.

Fine Needle Aspirate

If an abnormality is identified and confirmed with one of our specialists by Kelly and Crystal, they are able to perform ultrasound-guided needle aspirates, abdominocentesis or pericardiocentesis at the time of the ultrasound. At patient drop-off, we recommend obtaining consent for potential sedation and FNA. Let us know if you need sample consent forms!

All decisions to perform sampling procedures are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian and based on owner consent. Kelly and Crystal will give their indications on what should be sampled for diagnostic effectiveness and how to safely sample with ultrasound-guidance.

Coagulation panels are the gold standard prior to sampling. Current blood work performed within 3 days should be available before any sampling occurs.  At minimum, a PCV/TS and platelet count should be done prior to sampling.

When Can I Expect My Report?

Routine turnaround time is within 24 hours. However, that turnaround time cannot begin until all case information and images are received.

STAT turnaround times are less than 6 hours based on availability, once all case information and images are received, as well as specialist prior approval is obtained.

Kelly and Crystal will send your case as soon as possible after the ultrasound has been performed, provided all information for the case has been received. The turnaround times begin when the case is submitted to Sonopath.