MOBILE ULTRASOUND TEAM
Chaley Hunt
LVT, Clinical Sonographer
Chaley Hunt
LVT, Clinical Sonographer
Chaley, a licensed veterinary technician with 17 years of experience in small animal practice, began her career after earning her Veterinary Technology degree in Washington State. Known for her resilience and adaptability, she’s been a vital part of the Jackson, Michigan veterinary community, excelling in anesthesia, dental procedures, imaging, and client education. Chaley holds certifications in abdominal ultrasound (Sonopath), Fear-Free, and Cat-Friendly practices. Outside work, she enjoys reading, cooking, TRX and water aerobics, and biking along the Falling Waters Trail. At home, she’s entertained by her two cats and whatever fosters she happens to have at the time.
Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease in a 10-Year-Old Shih Tzu
A neutered male Shih Tzu, was found to have a new grade III/IV heart murmur during his annual exam but remains asymptomatic. Echocardiography showed ACVIM stage B1 degenerative mitral valve disease with mild regurgitation, borderline left ventricular dilation, and normal left atrial size. No cardiac medications are indicated at this time; re-evaluation is recommended in 6 months.
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in a 4-Year-Old Domestic Shorthair Cat
A 4-year-old neutered male Domestic Shorthair presented with dyspnea and increased respiratory effort. Chest radiographs suggested cardiomegaly and diffuse interstitial pattern, and echocardiography confirmed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with severe left atrial enlargement, right-sided remodeling, and evidence of pleural/pericardial effusion. Medical management with furosemide, pimobendan, and Plavix was recommended. Prognosis is guarded, with an estimated survival of 6–18 months depending on response to therapy.
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Suspected Gastric Neoplasia in a 7-Year-Old Domestic Shorthair Cat
A 7-year-old spayed female Domestic Shorthair presented with progressive weight loss, decreased appetite, reduced mobility, and dehydration. Ultrasound revealed marked circumferential thickening of the stomach wall with loss of normal layering, mild mesenteric reaction, and mildly enlarged regional lymph nodes. Findings are most concerning for infiltrative neoplasia, with lymphoma as the top differential. Ultrasound-guided FNA or endoscopic biopsy was recommended for definitive diagnosis, with supportive care advised in the interim.
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Proximal Duodenal Foreign Body Obstruction in a 13-Year-Old Chihuahua
Patient presented with reduced appetite, vomiting, and excessive thirst. Labwork showed elevated amylase, lipase, and ALT, and ultrasound revealed marked gastric distension with a hyperechoic obstructive object in the proximal duodenum, consistent with a foreign body. Additional findings included mild bladder debris, hyperechoic renal cortices, small splenic nodules, and gallbladder sludge. Exploratory laparotomy was recommended for removal of the obstruction, with caution advised during anesthesia due to gastric dilation and risk of regurgitation.
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Jejunal Mass and Prostatomegaly in Senior Dog
A 9-year-old male Labrador Retriever presented with vomiting and mild diarrhea. Ultrasound revealed a partially obstructive jejunal mass with proximal shadowing material, mild mesenteric lymph node enlargement, very scant abdominal effusion, mild diffuse bladder wall thickening, prostatomegaly, and bilateral testicular nodules. The jejunal mass is concerning for neoplasia, and exploratory laparotomy with resection, anastomosis, and biopsy is recommended, with castration considered for the reproductive findings. Prognosis depends on histopathology results; supportive care and diagnostic workup including thoracic radiographs, bloodwork, and urine culture are advised.
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