In an ideal world, our pets could just tell us when they’ve swallowed a sock or where they’re not feeling well. Luckily, pet ultrasounds give us the ability to look inside our furry friends to be able to tell us what’s going on.
While ultrasounds are highly effective for diagnostics, not all vets are equipped to perform them in-house. If you have a vet with an internal issue, finding a full-service veterinary clinic who can provide diagnosis as well as treatment can help save you time. These are some of the top reasons why dogs and cats need diagnostics, and what a pet ultrasound can detect to help you know who to call.
How does a veterinary ultrasound work on pets?
A veterinary ultrasound is a type of non-invasive, painless scan that allows vets to assess the animal’s organs, for pregnancy or for internal bleeding or blockages. It works by applying a water-based gel to the animal’s shaved skin and moving a device called a transducer over the pet’s body to capture live, 2D images via high-frequency sound waves. These images are used by vets to help diagnose multiple problems in dogs, cats and other pets, including pocket pets and exotic animals, like birds, guinea pigs and reptiles.
The Difference Between a Pet Ultrasound Versus X-Rays
Ultrasounds and x-rays are two different types of diagnostics. For pets, ultrasounds use sound echoes to generate real-time imagery of soft tissue, organs and blood flow, while x-rays use electromagnetic beams to create static images of bones, lungs and any foreign objects inside the animal.
Some vets will provide one or the other, both or neither, which is why finding a vet who is fully equipped for all types of diagnostic imaging is important for getting fast, accurate results when your pet is in need.
What an Ultrasound For Dogs Can Find
Dog ultrasounds were originally used for confirming and checking on the progress of pregnancies, just like in humans. Over time, vets realised ultrasounds can help them diagnose a range of problems, helping them get to treatment sooner.
It’s important to note the ultrasound itself is non-invasive and pain-free. The process generally takes around 15 to 30 minutes, involving the scan area being shaved, a gel applied and the ultrasound device being moved over your pooch’s body. Your dog may need to fast for a few hours beforehand if it’s known the procedure will happen, but in most cases, they won’t need to be put under anaesthesia.
Potential Reasons For a Dog Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal problems in dogs aren’t always bad news, but it’s always a good idea to have them checked out by a vet regardless. The vet may recommend an abdominal ultrasound for your dog if they are showing signs of:
- Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lethargy
- A swollen belly
- Pain during belly rubs
- Excessive drooling.
In some cases, it may be pregnancy for female dogs or an upset stomach, but may also show signs of blockages, tumors, inflammation, chronic bowel disease or bladder stones. Early intervention for any problem is always the best move to keep your dog happy and comfortable.
What a Dog Liver Ultrasound Can Help Show
An ultrasound for a dog’s liver is often used as part of a combined diagnostic routine with blood tests, physical examination and, sometimes, biopsies. Typically, the vet will start with a physical examination to feel around the liver externally, after which they may take a blood sample to see if their ALT or ALP levels are normal. In this case, if there are any signs of abnormalities, the vet may order an ultrasound to rule out or to help detect:
- Tumors or masses
- Liver disease
- Vascular abnormalities
- Gallbladder or biliary tract diseases
- Enlarged liver
- Fluid
Many pet owners often think the worst when a dog liver ultrasound is taken, however, it’s not always bad news. The ultrasound can often be used to rule out more serious problems and to tell the difference between cancers versus inflammation, infections or cysts.
When a Dog Spleen Ultrasound is Needed
The spleen plays a big role in helping your dog’s body fight off infections, although it’s not a vital organ. Noticing any weakness, a bloated belly, pale gums or if your dog collapses could be a sign of:
- An enlarged spleen
- Ruptures
- Torsions
- Tumors
An ultrasound can help your vet detect and diagnose any problems, and begin treatment promptly, depending on what’s going on. Again, with early intervention, many spleen problems can be treated to get your dog back chasing sticks at the park in no time.
Common Problems a Cat Ultrasound Can Help Detect
With how good cats are at hiding when they’re unwell, they can often go downhill very quickly, making fast diagnostics crucial for their recovery. Ultrasounds allow vets to get a real-time view of your cat’s insides to pick up on any blockages or abnormalities, telling the truth about any problems, even if they’re still eating, drinking and purring.
Similar to a dog, cats may need to fast prior to their ultrasound, which your vet will advise you if needed. The procedure is typically performed while your cat is awake, laying on their back or side so the vet can shave the area, apply gel and move the handheld probe over the suspected problem area. They can then show you live imagery of the inside of your pet and to help proceed with further diagnosing the issue.
Problems a Cat Abdominal Ultrasound Can Help Diagnose
Pregnancy is one of the number one reasons why a cat may have an ultrasound. It can be used to show how far along they are and the health of their litter, giving you peace of mind and the vet an action plan to give you for when the time comes. It may also be used to help detect and diagnose:
