Ultrasound is a diagnostic test used to evaluate internal organs and tissues.
Ultrasound is mainly used to evaluate the heart and organs in the abdomen, although it can also be used to assess the eyes, as well as the lungs, bone injuries or subcutaneous anomalies.
In general, ultrasound is more sensitive and specific than radiography to trace and assess internal deviations. Sometimes it is appropriate to use both techniques since radiography is better suited to show the size of the anomaly, the shape and place it takes among other internal organs and tissues.
Ultrasound of the abdomen is mostly advised in the following cases:
Ultrasound of the heart to assess the heart function is mostly advised in the following cases:
To have a proper contact between the probe and skin, the hairs are clipped on the spot to be examined and a gel applied on the shaved skin. An ultrasound probe is pressed onto the shaved skin and emits sound waves. Depending on the composition of the tissues beneath the probe these sound waves will bounce off in a particular way. The reflected waves are registered in the ultrasound machine and converted to a black and white image. These images are then interpreted by the veterinarian.
Ultrasound is non-invasive and painless (although it is possible that the pressure of the probe is perceived as unpleasant by the dog if the tumour is sensitive). Depending on what is examined, this procedure takes about 20 to 40 minutes. A dog does not need to be sedated for ultrasound, unless he’s very stressed or anxious or experiences pain due to the underlying condition.