Understanding Ultrasounds for Dogs and Cats: A Complete Guide
Medically Reviewed by Ruby Wistreich, RVT and Kahlina Frey, DVM, DACVR
At Truss Vet, we understand that you want the best possible care for your pet. Our team utilizes a range of advanced diagnostics to diagnose and treat health issues, including ultrasound. Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive, imaging technique that uses sound waves to create real-time images of your pet’s internal organs.
What Is an Ultrasound, and How Does It Work?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create live images of internal structures. Unlike X-rays, which show bones and dense tissues, ultrasounds capture details and architecture of the soft tissues, allowing us to examine:
- Organs like the liver, kidneys, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and spleen.
- Muscles, tendons, and blood vessels.
- Abnormal fluid buildup or masses.
This diagnostic tool helps identify and monitor a range of conditions, from gastrointestinal issues to endocrine diseases and even pregnancy.
Why Would My Dog or Cat Need an Ultrasound?
There are many reasons why your veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound for your pet. Some common indications include:
Evaluating Abnormal Blood or Urine Test Results: If your pet’s blood or urine tests show abnormalities, an ultrasound can help pinpoint the source of the issue by assessing the health of organs like the liver, kidneys, bladder, and spleen.
Investigating Symptoms: If your pet is experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, or difficulty urinating, an ultrasound, together with other diagnostics performed by your primary veterinarian, can help determine the underlying cause.
Assessing Trauma: In time-sensitive situations, an ultrasound can be used to check for internal bleeding, organ damage, or fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen.
Diagnosing and Monitoring Diseases: Ultrasounds are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions, including liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, and pregnancy.
Guiding Biopsies: Ultrasound can be used to guide the collection of tissue samples for biopsies, providing a minimally invasive way to obtain diagnostic information.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Ultrasound
Before the Ultrasound:
Your veterinarian will provide specific preparation instructions based on the type of ultrasound your pet needs. This may include fasting your pet for several hours to reduce interference from food in the stomach or ensuring their bladder is full if the urinary system is examined.
During the Ultrasound:
- Comfortable Positioning: Your pet will be placed on an examination table, often lying on their side or back.
- Shaving for Better Imaging: An area of fur may be shaved to ensure the ultrasound probe has direct contact with the skin.
- Application of Gel: A water-based gel +/- isopropyl alcohol will be applied to your pet’s skin to help the probe transmit sound waves effectively.
- Image Capture: The sonographer will gently move the ultrasound probe over the targeted area, capturing detailed images of your pet’s internal organs and tissues in real-time.
After the Ultrasound:
The radiologist will review the images and interpret the results. Depending on your primary veterinarian’s preferences, the radiologist or Urgent Care veterinarian may discuss the findings with you directly or the report will be sent to your primary veterinarian so that they can give you the results and additional recommendations.
Ultrasounds are non-invasive, so most pets tolerate them well. Sedation may be used for particularly anxious pets or if the pet is painful because of their disease process.
Other Common Questions About Veterinary Ultrasounds
How long does the procedure take?
Most ultrasounds take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the examination.
When will I receive the results?
Preliminary results are often available immediately after the procedure, with a full report provided shortly afterward.
Are ultrasounds safe for pregnant pets?
Yes, ultrasounds are safe and are sometimes used to monitor fetal development in pregnant pets.
What is the cost of an ultrasound?
Costs can vary based on the type of ultrasound and whether or not sedation is needed. Your veterinarian will provide an estimate before the appointment.
Will my pet need to be sedated?
Your primary veterinarian may prescribe oral anti-anxiety medications to give prior to the ultrasound appointment. In pets who are very anxious or painful, additional injectable sedation may be indicated. Some patients do well without any sedative medication.
What can ultrasounds detect?
Ultrasounds are used to evaluate internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and bladder. They can help identify conditions like tumors, fluid buildup, blockages, or organ abnormalities.
Does an ultrasound replace X-rays?
No, ultrasound doesn’t replace x-rays. Ultrasounds and X-rays complement each other. X-rays are better for viewing bones, contents of the stomach, and dense tissues at a moment in time, while ultrasounds provide real-time detailed images of the internal soft tissues and organs.
How should I prepare my pet?
Preparation instructions vary but may include fasting your pet for several hours or ensuring their bladder is full if the urinary tract will be examined.
Is the procedure painful?
No, ultrasounds are non-invasive, making them well-tolerated by most pets. Depending on what is going on with your pet, they may develop some minor discomfort during the exam but this is often mild and alleviated with anti-anxiety medications as needed.
What happens after the ultrasound?
After the procedure, the veterinarian may either discuss the findings with you directly or the results will be provided to your primary veterinarian to discuss with you.
Why Choose Truss Vet for Your Pet’s Ultrasound?
Expertise You Can Trust
Your pet’s ultrasound will be performed by Dr. Kahlina Frey, a board-certified radiologist with advanced training and years of experience in veterinary imaging. Her expertise ensures precise diagnostics and high-quality care tailored to your pet’s needs.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Our clinic is equipped with cutting-edge ultrasound technology designed to provide clear, detailed images. This allows us to detect even subtle changes in your pet’s health, enabling early intervention and accurate diagnoses.
Compassionate and Personalized Care
We know every pet is unique, and our team is dedicated to treating your pet with the care they deserve. From creating a calm environment to gentle handling throughout the procedure, we strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
Collaborative Care for Comprehensive Solutions
At Truss Vet, we work closely with your primary veterinarian to ensure a smooth, integrated approach to your pet’s care. Our team values open communication and will take the time to explain findings and next steps clearly.
A Trusted Partner in Your Pet’s Health
From the moment you step into our clinic, we are here to support you. Our experienced team is happy to answer any questions, provide guidance, and help you feel confident in the care your pet receives.
At Truss Vet, we combine expert knowledge, innovative tools, and a compassionate approach to deliver exceptional veterinary care. When your pet needs an ultrasound, you can trust us to provide the best possible experience.