Ultrasound – small mammals and rodents

Ultrasound of small mammals and rodents uses high-frequency sound waves to assess the internal organs of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, hamsters and ferrets. The examination is non-invasive and painless, which makes it well suited to patients for whom any additional stress can be risky.

It allows us to assess the liver, kidneys, bladder, uterus, intestines and heart, among other organs. In rodents and small mammals we most often perform it when we suspect urinary stones, changes in the uterus, abdominal tumours or disorders of the digestive tract, and also to confirm pregnancy.

The procedure is much the same as in dogs and cats: we clip a small patch of fur over the area being examined, apply gel, and the probe emits sound waves whose echoes build an image on the monitor. The animal stays conscious and is held gently by our staff, and anaesthesia is usually not needed.

We often combine ultrasound with an X-ray, because the two methods show different things: ultrasound gives a better picture of soft tissue, while a radiograph shows bone, gas and foreign bodies. The veterinarian decides which examination is appropriate after examining the patient.