How to refer a patient
Contact NVU on 0429799856 to book a day and time.
It is essential, after the initial booking via phone that a completed Referral Form is received within 24 hours or the booking will be forfeited.
Referral forms can be found on the Download Tab on the Homepage.
Please send a completed referral form, laboratory work and radiographs to:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ultrasound Reports
Ultrasound findings are discussed with the referral Vet at the time of examination. A written report for Abdominal Ultrasounds will be provided on the day. For Echocardiograms, a full report is emailed within days.
Laboratory Samples
Laboratory samples are sent to Vetnostics. Results are sent to the referral veterinarian and NVU at the same time.
Abdominal Ultrasound Examination- the entire abdomen is examined. Free fluid, masses, cysts, regions of inflammation, calculi, organomegaly, foreign bodies or indications for surgery can be detected. Abdominal scans for evidence of metastases, including FNA of the spleen and liver can be performed as part of staging for chemotherapy. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) exam may be challenging to evaluate due to accumulated intraluminal gas. [note: referral excludes routine pregnancy examinations ].
Ultrasound guided fine needle aspirates or Tru-cut tissue biopsies can be taken if applicable and within reach [this may require a prior platelet count and coagulation profile].
Specialist referral is recommended for suspected portosystemic shunts (PSS).
Echocardiography-2-Dimensional mode, M-mode, Colour Flow Doppler, Pulsed Wave Doppler and Continuous Wave Doppler are used.
Measurements are made of chamber dimensions, wall thickness, valve appearance and motion, inflow and outflow velocities, systolic and diastolic function, estimates of regurgitation severity and pressure gradients.
Conditions include acquired valvular disease, hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies, congenital shunts, AV valve dysplasia, stenotic lesions, pericardial effusions and masses, and assessment for pulmonary hypertension. Doxorubicin pre-treatment measurements can be made.
ECG-can be performed in the case of arrhythmias. Measured to assist in cardiac pressure calculations and used to assess response to treatment. Combined ECG and full echocardiogram make up a cardiac work-up.
