Dog and cat ultrasound

Ultrasound (short for ultrasonography, also known as an ultrasound scan) in animals is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualise the animal’s internal tissues. Ultrasound is widely used in veterinary medicine to identify and assess internal organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines, bladder and uterus. It is a completely safe examination for the patient. During an ultrasound scan a specially trained veterinarian applies a special gel to the animal’s skin to create good contact and to minimise the air between the skin and the ultrasound probe. A handheld probe then emits sound waves that pass through the animal’s tissues. These waves are reflected off internal structures and picked up by the probe. The image produced from the reflected sound waves is sent to a monitor, where the vet can analyse and interpret the results.

An ultrasound scan makes it possible to assess the structure, size and shape of an animal’s internal organs and any pathological changes in them. It is particularly useful in diagnosing diseases of the urinary, digestive and reproductive systems, and in assessing the cardiovascular system. It is important to understand that an ultrasound scan is non-invasive and usually does not require anaesthesia. The fur over the area being examined may need to be clipped to obtain a better quality image. Ultrasound in animals is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps the veterinarian assess a patient’s state of health. If you have any doubts or notice worrying signs in your pet, always consult our veterinarian at Zviropolis, who will decide whether an ultrasound scan is indicated in a given case.