What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a common form of imaging technology that transmits high frequency sound waves into your pet’s body to produce images of your pet’s internal body structure. Ultrasounds are a quick, gentle, non-invasive way to allow your vet to take a closer look at your pet’s health without surgical intervention.
During an ultrasound examination your veterinarian will use a small hand-held device called a transducer that they place on the area of your pet’s body that is being studied. The transducer sends sounds waves into your pet body and collects the ones that bounce back then sends them to a computer monitor which displays the images.
These images are then used by your vet to examine your pets internal body structure, diagnose medical issues and provide your pet with the most effective care and treatment possible.
Why your vet may recommend an ultrasound
Veterinarians commonly use ultrasounds to study internal organs, soft tissues, a developing foetus, heart and blood vessels.
Study internal organs
An ultrasound allows your vet to see the shape, size and structure of your pet’s internal organs such as kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, bladder, liver or heart. An ultrasound can identify tumours, masses, blockages and other abnormalities which can then be effectively treated. If your veterinarian discovers abnormalities in your pet’s blood or urine tests, they may recommend an ultrasound to get a clear picture of the heath of your pets internal organs.
Examination of soft tissues
An ultrasound can be used to examine almost any of the soft tissues in your pet’s body such as ligaments, muscles, tendons, lumps, eyes and thyroid glands. An ultrasound can help identify sprains, tears, tumours, masses or fluid collection. An ultrasound is also useful to evaluate wounds and other soft tissues that may contain foreign bodies.
If your veterinarian detects abnormal tissue during the ultrasound they may use the ultrasound to collect tissue samples from the affected area.
Heart conditions
If your pet is diagnosed with a heart condition, your vet may recommend an ultrasound or echocardiogram to evaluate the overall condition of your pet’s heart and look for abnormalities.
Check foetal development during pregnancy
Ultrasounds provide the most reliable form of pregnancy diagnosis and give accurate estimates for the anticipated birth date.
An ultrasound is also used on pregnant pets to gauge the health and development of their unborn puppies or kittens. An ultrasound can provide useful information to monitor foetal growth, heartbeat, movement, malformations and distress.
Types of ultrasounds
Your vet may perform a B-mode (brightness mode), FAST or echocardiology ultrasound.
B mode (brightness mode) ultrasound
In veterinary medicine, B-mode (brightness mode) ultrasounds are most common. They provide a 2-dimensional image of the internal body structure scanned. This type of ultrasound is commonly used to examine the abdominal area, soft tissues, perform pregnancy examinations and examine eyes for certain diseases.
FAST ultrasound
Pets who experience trauma such as a car accident or being attacked by another animal can experience internal bleeding or organ damage. In these emergency situations a FAST ultrasound (focused assessment with sonography for trauma) will be performed. This allows your veterinarian to quickly evaluate and identify serious medical conditions within a matter of minutes. These ultrasounds can assist emergency vets in diagnosing your pet’s health issues quickly so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Echocardiology ultrasound
Cardiac ultrasounds or echocardiograms are detailed ultrasounds that allow your veterinarian to closely examine your pet’s heart and its surrounding structures to assess if it is functioning properly. Echocardiograms may require several measures and calculations. This can include an examination of the heart walls, chambers and valves in addition to the direction and speed of blood flow in the heart and blood vessels.
How to prepare your pet for an ultrasound
There is little to zero discomfort for your pet during an ultrasound. However, areas of your pet’s hair may need to be clipped and a coupling jelly applied between the transducer and your pet skin. Sedation or general anaesthesia may also be required to ensure your pet remains still enough to allow for a detailed examination.
Ultrasounds on different parts of your pet’s body can require different preparations so it’s it best to speak to your vet about preparing your pet for their ultrasound.
Your veterinarian may require you to withhold food from your pet for between 8-12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. Undigested food can interfere with sound waves, making it difficult for your vet to get clear images. It also reduces the chances of your pet vomiting during sedation.
When will I know the results?
As your vet can view the ultrasound images as they appear on the screen, they are often able to make a diagnosis immediately. In some cases, they many require further consultation once they are captured, which can take a few additional days before the final result is provided.
Ultrasounds with Dr Ellené Rossouw
Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital are proud to offer this important diagnostic tool within our in-house veterinary diagnostic laboratory to help ensure your pet receives the most advanced quality medical care. Call us if you have any questions about the benefits of an ultrasound examination or if you would like to schedule an appointment.
Whilst all of our vets are experienced in providing ultrasound examinations, Dr Ellené Rossouw has completed further studies in diagnostic imaging and ultrasonography, combined with ongoing clinic experience. If you would like to book your ultrasound with Dr Ellené Rossouw, please ask when making your appointment.
Ultrasounds can provide invaluable information about the internal health of your pet. They are a gentle, non-invasive procedure and can be recommended by your vet for a variety of reasons. If you have any questions about ultrasounds and your pet, please call us on 03 8784 4444.