Diagnostics and Your Pet—Ultrasound

When your pet is unwell, our vets may recommend different diagnostic tools to help uncover what’s happening inside their body. One of the most useful and non-invasive options is an ultrasound scan. This technology gives vets a moving, real-time picture of your pet’s internal organs—helping guide treatment decisions and provide peace of mind.

What Is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, to create images of the inside of the body. A handheld probe is gently moved across the skin (with a layer of gel applied to help sound waves travel). The waves bounce off internal organs and tissues, and a computer translates them into images on a screen. Unlike an X-ray, which shows still pictures of bones and dense structures, ultrasound shows soft tissues and how they are working in real time.

Why Might Your Pet Need an Ultrasound?

Our vets may recommend an ultrasound for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Abdominal issues – checking organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder and intestines.

• Heart conditions – assessing heart function, blood flow and valve health (echocardiography).

• Urinary problems – detecting bladder stones, blockages or changes in the kidneys.

• Growths or lumps – helping to determine whether a mass is fluid-filled or solid.

• Reproductive health – monitoring pregnancy or checking for uterine/ovarian issues.

What Happens During an Ultrasound?

Some ultrasounds are performed while your pet is awake, and some need light sedation. They will usually lie on a padded table while the area being scanned is shaved (to allow clearer images).

The vet or trained sonographer moves the probe over the area being examined, and images appear instantly on the screen. This allows for detailed assessment, measurements and even video clips of moving organs such as the heart.

Is Ultrasound Safe for Pets?

Yes. Ultrasound is entirely safe, painless and does not use radiation. It is non-invasive, which means there’s no surgery involved. For most pets, it’s a stress-free procedure that’s over within 20–40 minutes.

What Happens After the Ultrasound?

Once the scan is complete, our vets will interpret the results and explain what they mean for your pet’s health. Sometimes, an ultrasound is combined with other diagnostics—such as X-rays, blood work or biopsies—to provide a complete picture of what’s going on.

Why Ultrasound Is So Valuable

Ultrasound offers vets a way to “see inside” your pet’s body in a safe and detailed way. It can reveal problems that are invisible from the outside, guide treatment plans and even detect issues early before they become more serious.

If our vets recommend an ultrasound, it’s a key step in ensuring your pet gets the very best care, with answers that lead to effective treatment and a healthier, happier life.