Ultrasound machines generate high-frequency sound waves that travel through the body, bounce back, and give us a picture of what is inside. There are an incredible number of ways an ultrasound can help veterinarians provide better care for their patients. It can sometimes be used instead of taking x-rays (radiographs) or doing surgery.

Ultrasound clearly shows not only the difference between fluids and solid tissues but can also show the internal architecture of solid organs. It can help us look for masses such as tumors and see abnormal internal organs. Advanced machines can even provide pictures of the heart as it pumps.

Ultrasound can be a great advantage when trying to diagnose and monitor pregnancies in animals. With this diagnostic tool, we can detect fetal heart movements as early as 23 days of pregnancy, so we know that not only is the bitch pregnant at an earlier stage, but that the pups are alive. If it was an unwanted mating, this earlier diagnosis allows us to get started with appropriate treatments.

Although veterinary patients must have the area of interest shaved for ultrasound testing (air in between their hairs stops the sound waves), it is otherwise a non-painful procedure. Most animals can even have an ultrasound without sedation and if they become stressed, sedation is not a problem. To most calm patients, an abdominal ultrasound feels like a belly rub!