An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create real-time images of internal abdominal organs and structures in animals. This procedure can help veterinarians diagnose problems like masses, inflammation, obstructions, and other organ diseases. The painless test involves applying a gel to the pet's skin and moving a wand-like transducer over the abdomen to produce images of the liver, kidneys, spleen, intestines, and other organs on a screen.
Unlike radiographs, no radiation is used in an ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves. Ultrasound is painless and does not require anesthesia or even sedation in most cases. For an ultrasound evaluation to be done, the pet needs to have the hair shaved from the area to be evaluated, as hair will interfere with the images.
This test is typically done after blood tests, x-rays, or a physical examination indicates a possible problem. It is useful for evaluating things like abdominal organs, eyes, and the reproductive system. As with people, it can be used during pregnancies. There is a specific ultrasound called an echocardiogram that is used to visualize the heart and blood vessels as well as the valves of the heart.
Abdominal ultrasound does not replace radiography but rather is complementary to the information we can get from radiographs. It is common to do both x-rays and ultrasound in order to get a complete picture of what is going on with a patient.
Not all veterinary hospitals have ultrasound capabilities. Here at Cherry Ridge Veterinary Clinic, we have invested in a state-of-the-art ultrasound unit that is capable of both abdominal and echocardiographic (heart) scans. Our doctors have spent many hours of continuing education continually improving their ultrasound skills. We are proud to offer this advanced diagnostic capability in-house, avoiding the time and inconvenience for our clients having to travel to a specialty center for this service.