Ultrasonics for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
Ultrasound examination can be very useful for diagnosing health problems in dogs. Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that
The Difference Between Ultrasound and X-ray
X-rays are often used in everyday practice to look inside the body, but they may not be the best option compared to what an ultrasound image can provide. With ultrasound, it is possible to assess the tissues of an organ, not just its size or shape as with X-rays.
Who Can Perform Ultrasounds on Pets?
Not all veterinarians are trained in ultrasound imaging. General practice veterinarians can undergo training in ultrasound diagnostics. This means that not all veterinary clinics have the capability to perform ultrasounds. If an ultrasound is recommended by your regular veterinarian, they may refer you to a specialized clinic for the procedure. Another option is to invite a mobile veterinarian to conduct the ultrasound examination.
When Might a Dog Need an Ultrasound?
Here are a few reasons why your pet might need an ultrasound.
Heart Condition
Your veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound if your dog has heart disease. This type of ultrasound is called an echocardiogram and helps determine whether the animal needs heart medication.
Abnormal Blood or Urine Test Results
If the veterinarian finds deviations in your pet's blood or urine tests, they may recommend an abdominal ultrasound. This allows visualization of internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, bladder, etc., to determine the cause of the abnormalities.
Examination of Other Soft Tissues
Ultrasound imaging can be performed on almost all soft tissues in the body. Ultrasound can be used to evaluate:
- Thyroid gland
- Viability and development of fetuses
- Eyes
- Ligaments
- Tendons, etc.
If abnormal tissues are detected during an ultrasound, the veterinarian may take samples. Common methods of sample collection include:
- Fine needle aspiration under ultrasound guidance
- Incisional biopsy
These sampling methods are usually performed under sedation of the dog. Biopsy taken with ultrasound guidance is less invasive than surgical biopsy.
Emergency Ultrasound Examinations
In emergency situations, valuable information can be obtained through targeted ultrasound examinations of the chest and abdominal cavities. Veterinarians can quickly determine, for example, if the dog has internal bleeding or a pneumothorax. This allows for the prompt development of a treatment plan.
Detection of Foreign Objects
Ultrasound is very useful for detecting foreign materials in the gastrointestinal tract that may not be visible on X-rays. Sometimes items such as fabric, paper, plant material, or thin plastic are not visible on X-rays but can be detected with ultrasound.
