A veterinary ultrasound scan may be recommended when a dog or cat is experiencing vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss, changes in urine, increased thirst, a distended abdomen or abnormalities detected in a blood test. It is also used to examine internal organs, locate masses, assess pregnancies and guide certain sampling procedures.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce real-time images and enables the assessment of soft tissues and organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, bladder, stomach, intestines, pancreas, uterus and prostate.
In Benivet Benissa, the veterinary ultrasound in Benissa It is used as part of a diagnostic assessment when a physical examination, symptoms or test results indicate that the internal organs need to be examined in greater detail.
What problems can a veterinary ultrasound scan detect?
Ultrasound enables the size, shape, position and internal structure of many organs to be examined. It can help to detect changes consistent with inflammation, blockages, stones, fluid build-up, abnormalities of the intestinal wall, masses or changes in abdominal organs.
Situations in which it can provide useful information include:
- Diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
- Disorders of the kidneys and bladder.
- Urinary stones.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
- Pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders.
- Abdominal muscles.
- Enlargement of certain organs.
- Fluid build-up in the abdomen.
- Abnormalities of the uterus, ovaries or prostate.
- Pregnancy and reproductive assessment.
An ultrasound scan alone does not always provide a definitive diagnosis. In many cases, it is interpreted in conjunction with a physical examination, blood tests, a urine test and other tests.
When is an abdominal ultrasound recommended?
An abdominal ultrasound scan may be recommended when symptoms suggest a problem with the digestive, urinary or reproductive systems, or with other organs in the abdomen.
Some common reasons for seeking medical advice are:
- Vomiting that recurs or does not improve.
- Persistent or recurrent diarrhoea.
- Weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Lack of appetite.
- Abdominal pain.
- Enlarged abdomen.
- Increased thirst or increased urine output.
- Blood in the urine.
- Difficulty passing urine.
- Abnormal results in blood or urine tests.
- Suspected abdominal mass.
When these symptoms are persistent or several occur at the same time, an assessment by the veterinary internal medicine to decide which tests are best for identifying the cause.
Ultrasound for digestive problems
In dogs and cats suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or weight loss, an ultrasound scan allows the stomach and intestines to be examined and their thickness, contents and movement to be assessed.
It can also help to detect foreign bodies, inflammatory changes, changes in the pancreas, masses or signs consistent with certain digestive disorders.
Ultrasound findings should be interpreted in conjunction with symptoms and laboratory tests. In some patients, the following may be necessary: veterinary blood tests to assess inflammation, hydration, liver function, kidney function, protein levels and other parameters.
Ultrasound scan of the bladder and kidneys
Ultrasound is particularly useful for examining the kidneys, the bladder and part of the urinary tract. It can reveal changes in kidney size or structure, thickening of the bladder, sediment, stones, masses or abnormalities associated with certain urinary problems.
It may be recommended when a dog or cat has blood in their urine, frequent urination, difficulty passing urine, urinary incontinence or abnormalities detected by a urinalysis in dogs and cats.
In these cases, ultrasound and urine analysis provide different yet complementary information: one allows the structures to be visualised, whilst the other examines the chemical and microscopic characteristics of the urine.
Can it detect urinary stones?
Yes. An ultrasound scan can detect certain stones in the bladder or the urinary tract, including some that are not easily visible on an X-ray.
However, depending on the type, size and location of the stones, the vet may recommend combining an ultrasound scan with a veterinary X-ray for further information.
Where there are recurring problems with the bladder, kidneys, urethra or the formation of stones, an assessment of veterinary urology.
Is ultrasound used to examine lumps or masses?
Yes. When an abdominal mass or an abnormality in an organ is detected during the scan, an ultrasound scan allows us to assess its size, location, structure and relationship with neighbouring tissues.
It can also be used to guide a puncture or to take samples from specific lesions. Depending on the case, these samples can be analysed using veterinary cytology or other diagnostic techniques.
Detecting a mass via ultrasound does not automatically determine whether it is benign or malignant. Further tests may be necessary to establish its nature.
What is the difference between an ultrasound scan and an X-ray?
Ultrasound and X-rays provide different types of information. X-rays are particularly useful for examining bones, the chest, certain foreign bodies and some stones, whilst ultrasound allows for a more detailed view of many organs and soft tissues.
For example, in the case of an abdominal problem, an X-ray can show the distribution of gas, the overall size of the organs or specific objects, whilst an ultrasound scan allows the internal structure of the liver, kidneys, bowel or bladder to be examined.
In some cases, both tests are carried out in conjunction with one another. The vet will choose the most appropriate one based on the symptoms and the suspected diagnosis.
When might a CT scan be necessary instead of an ultrasound scan?
A CT scan produces cross-sectional images and can provide greater detail in certain areas, particularly the skull, spine, chest, nasal cavity, bones, joints and some complex masses.
Ultrasound is usually very useful for examining the abdomen, whilst the Veterinary CAT scan It may be indicated when a more precise anatomical assessment or detailed surgical planning is required.
There is no single test that is best in all cases: the choice depends on which structure needs to be examined and the information the clinical team is seeking.
Does an ultrasound scan require anaesthesia?
Most abdominal ultrasound scans can be carried out without anaesthesia. The animal usually lies down whilst the vet examines the area using a probe and ultrasound gel.
It is usually necessary to shave a small area of the abdomen to improve contact between the probe and the skin and to obtain higher-quality images.
In the case of very nervous animals, those in pain, or when a specific injection or procedure needs to be carried out, light sedation may be considered. The decision is tailored to the condition and needs of each individual patient.
Do you need to prepare your dog or cat before an ultrasound scan?
Preparation depends on the type of scan. For an abdominal ultrasound, you may be advised to fast for a period of time to reduce the contents of your stomach and improve the visualisation of certain structures.
In bladder examinations, it may be helpful if the animal has not urinated immediately before the test, as a moderately full bladder makes it easier to assess.
Do not withhold food, water or medication on your own initiative. Before your appointment, check with the clinic to find out how your pet needs to be prepared, depending on the type of ultrasound scan scheduled.
Does a normal ultrasound scan rule out any illness?
No. A standard ultrasound scan provides important information, but it does not rule out all conditions. Some abnormalities may be present in their early stages, be microscopic, or not produce any visible changes when examined using this technique.
The results should therefore be interpreted in conjunction with the clinical examination, symptoms and laboratory tests. If the signs persist, further check-ups or other investigations may be necessary.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Please consult us if your dog or cat is experiencing recurrent vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain, increased thirst, changes in urination, blood in the urine or abnormalities detected in a blood test.
At Benivet Benissa, we offer high-performance ultrasound and diagnostic imaging services to assess abdominal, urinary and internal medicine conditions. The clinical team will determine whether an ultrasound scan is the most appropriate test or whether it should be combined with blood tests, X-rays or other investigations.
If your dog or cat needs an ultrasound scan and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact Benivet Benissa to arrange a veterinary assessment.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
