Ultrasound technology is a powerful tool that veterinarians use to obtain a detailed look at a pet’s internal structures. Our Dove Mountain Veterinary team often uses ultrasound to diagnose abnormalities in pets’ soft tissues, and we offer information about this beneficial technology.

Basic veterinary ultrasound technology

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to image internal structures. The process involves:

  • Sound wave emission — An ultrasound transducer emits high-frequency sound waves, typically ranging between 1 and 18 megahertz (MHz).
  • Sound wave transmission — A veterinary professional places the transducer on the skin above the area that needs to be examined. A conductive gel helps to transmit the sound waves effectively by eliminating air pockets between the transducer and the skin, which can disrupt the sound waves.
  • Sound wave reflection — When the sound waves travel through the body, they encounter various tissues and structures. Each tissue type reflects the sound waves differently. For example, sound waves bounce off bones differently than they bounce off muscles or fluids.
  • Echo reception — Reflected sound waves—echoes—are captured by the transducer. These echoes vary in intensity based on the tissue density and composition off of which they bounce.
  • Image formation — The ultrasound equipment processes the echoes and converts them to real-time images, which are displayed on a monitor and can be recorded for further analysis. An image’s grey shades represent various tissue densities and structures.

Veterinary ultrasound applications

Unlike X-rays, which are great for viewing bones and dense structures, ultrasound is ideal for examining soft tissues, such as organs, blood vessels, and muscles. Specific applications include:

  • Abdominal exams — One of the most common veterinary medicine ultrasound uses is for an abdominal exam, including structures, such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, stomach, intestines, spleen, and reproductive organs, to help diagnose conditions including tumors, cysts, and organ enlargement.
  • Cardiology — Ultrasound is especially useful for evaluating heart conditions. An echocardiogram, an ultrasound specifically for imaging the heart, can assess heart function, detect abnormal heart valves, and measure the size and thickness of the heart chambers.
  • Pregnancy detection — Ultrasound is the safest method to confirm and monitor a pet’s pregnancy. Veterinarians can assess fetal health and development and determine the number of fetuses.
  • Musculoskeletal issues — Ultrasound can help diagnose soft tissue injuries, such as ligament and tendon damage, and is often used in veterinary sports medicine.
  • Guided procedures — Veterinarians also use ultrasound to perform certain procedures, such as biopsies, when a tissue sample needs to be collected from an organ or mass. Using ultrasound ensures precision and minimizes a pet’s complication risk.

Veterinary ultrasound benefits

Ultrasound is beneficial for pets. Veterinary ultrasound’s many benefits include:

  • Noninvasive — Ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure, making it less stressful for your pet.
  • Safe — Ultrasound requires no radiation, making it safe, particularly for pregnant pets and when multiple scans are necessary.
  • Real-time results — Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, allowing veterinarians to observe organ movement and blood flow, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Comfort — Ultrasound is painless and can often be performed without sedation, depending on the pet’s temperament and the specific area being examined.

What to expect during a veterinary ultrasound

If your pet needs an ultrasound, our veterinary team may shave a small area of their hair to ensure good contact between the skin and the transducer. We apply a special conductive gel to a pet’s skin to enhance sound wave transmission and then move the transducer over the area of interest, capturing images that are displayed on a monitor. Sedation is typically not necessary, but if your pet is extremely active, a mild sedative may help our team get a clear picture of their internal structures. 

Veterinary ultrasound is a vital diagnostic tool that enhances our veterinary team’s ability to provide comprehensive care for your pet. Ultrasound’s versatility, safety, and noninvasive nature make it an invaluable resource for diagnosing and developing a treatment plan for many conditions. If your pet requires an ultrasound, contact our Dove Mountain Veterinary team to schedule an appointment.