Ultrasound

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is high frequency sound above the audible range of the human ear. An ultrasound probe converts the mechanical signal of sound waves into electrical signals and vice versa. When the probe is placed in contact with the surface of the patient, sound waves travel through the tissues. Small amounts of sound are reflected back each time the waves encounter an object or change in the body. These reflected signals are used to produce an image for the vet to analyse.

What happens to my pet when it needs an ultrasound?

Depending on the temperament of your pet and the reason for ultrasonography, ultrasound can often be performed without the need for sedation or general anaesthesia, as it is a painless, non invasive procedure Your pets fur will need to be clipped right back to allow the ultrasound probe to have direct contact with the patient's skin. Ultrasound gel will then be applied to improve the connection. Depending on the area to be scanned, most pets are encouraged to lie on their side and are gently restrained by one or two nurses. The ultrasound room is then darkened so the images can be seen more clearly. The probe is placed on the skin and moved around to obtain an image. The vet is able to freeze the image, take copies, and perform measurements.

What can ultrasound be used for?

Pregnancy diagnosis

Cardiac ultrasound - to measure the chambers and walls of the heart to diagnose heart conditions

Abdominal ultrasound - to examine the liver, gall bladder, spleen, bladder, intestines, kidneys etc, looking for abnormalities such as tumours, blockages, cysts or enlargements

To take ultrasound assisted biopsies (for example of the liver)

To drain fluid from around the heart (pericardiocentesis) using ultrasound guidance

Eye examination

Heart & Kidney Ultrasound Images